Doncic Shines on Return as Lakers Beat Grizzlies in NBA Cup Opener

Luka Doncic made a brilliant return for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 44 points with 12 rebounds and six assists to lead his team to a 117–112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.

It was Doncic’s first game back after missing three with finger and leg injuries. The Lakers were still without LeBron James, who is recovering from a sciatic nerve problem, but Doncic’s return gave them a big boost in their opening NBA Cup match.

Austin Reaves added 21 points, while Jake LaRavia scored 13 for the Lakers. Doncic continued his strong record against the Grizzlies — it was his 11th straight game scoring at least 25 points against them.

For Memphis, Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells both scored 16 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 15. Ja Morant struggled on the night, managing only eight points from 3-of-14 shooting, though he added seven assists.

The Grizzlies took control in the second quarter with a big 27–4 run, scoring 42 points in the period to lead 69–55 at half-time. But the Lakers fought back after the break, led by Doncic’s 16-point third quarter, and soon erased the deficit.

The game stayed tight, with 14 lead changes and seven ties, before the Lakers finally pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to claim victory.

Up next:

• Lakers: Host the Miami Heat on Sunday.

• Grizzlies: Travel to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.