LeBron James scored 39 points, but none of his teammates could find an offensive rhythm as the Lakers suffered a 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The game highlighted the importance of Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with a bruised left heel, and starting forward Rui Hachimura, who missed the game due to illness. With both out, along with additional absences of Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, the Lakers were already lacking in frontcourt size, which proved costly.

The Grizzlies (5-4) exploited the Lakers’ size disadvantage, dominating the paint throughout the game. Memphis scored 60 points in the paint, grabbed 12 offensive rebounds resulting in 15 second-chance points, and added 27 fastbreak points.

LeBron James reflected on the loss, emphasizing the need to compete harder when key players are absent: “At the end of the day, especially when you lose bodies, you got to compete. You got to compete even harder. You got to be out there giving it everything that you got and on both ends.

There were times that we did that but the majority of the time, I don’t think we sustained energy and effort.”

While James had a standout performance, shooting 15-of-24 for 39 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, the rest of the Lakers struggled to get going offensively. Coach JJ Redick praised James for his effort: “The biggest thing that stood out: he played hard. Almost 40 years old and played the hardest on our team. It says a lot about him.”