21 Shots, 15 Misses! Locked Down Ja Morant! Lakers' New Starter Proves His Worth

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a surprising 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, a game that many circled on the calendar as a true test for LeBron James and the Lakers. After a two-game absence, James returned to action with an 18-point, 8-rebound, and 8-assist performance. While the numbers were solid, his plus-minus was a neutral zero, which sparked some debate. However, despite James’ return, it was the Lakers' new starting guard, Austin Reaves, who stole the show by playing a critical role in the team’s defense, particularly in shutting down Memphis’ star point guard, Ja Morant.

The Lakers were facing the Western Conference’s second-place team, the Grizzlies, who have been a powerhouse in the West this season. But the narrative of this game quickly shifted from LeBron’s return to the performance of the Lakers’ defense, and specifically, how Reaves shut down Morant. Known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability, Morant has been a dynamic force for the Grizzlies all season, but on this night, he was stifled by Reaves’ relentless defense, which ultimately led to Memphis’ star guard finishing a dismal 6-of-21 shooting.

The matchup between Reaves and Morant highlighted the Lakers' growing defensive identity, which has been a point of emphasis all season. It was a strong statement not only for Reaves but for the Lakers as a team, who were in desperate need of a solid win to solidify their playoff aspirations. While James' return certainly brought energy, it was the defensive battle won by Reaves that was key to securing the victory.

Reaves: The Defensive Weapon

Austin Reaves had already been a player to watch during his time with the Lakers, showing flashes of brilliance with his all-around game. But his role has shifted in recent games, and particularly in this match against the Grizzlies, where he became the focal point of the team’s defense. Reaves has been given more minutes and responsibility since being inserted into the starting lineup, and his ability to disrupt opposing stars has become an asset for the Lakers. His defensive performance against Morant, one of the most electric players in the league, was a testament to his growing capabilities.

Morant has been known for his speed, creativity, and ability to finish at the rim, often getting to the basket with ease, drawing fouls, or creating open opportunities for teammates. But Reaves’ defensive effort was exceptional on this night. Despite Morant’s attempts to get into the paint and push the tempo, Reaves was right on him, providing a wall of defense that Memphis’ point guard simply couldn’t break through.

Morant’s struggles were evident as he finished the game with just 20 points, shooting 6-of-21 from the field, and recorded a season-high 7 turnovers. In past matchups, Morant had been able to break through opponents’ defenses with ease, but against Reaves, he looked frustrated and off-balance. The Lakers’ new starter was disciplined, staying in front of Morant and forcing him into tough shots, including several contested jumpers that simply wouldn’t fall.

Reaves’ performance didn’t just impact Morant’s scoring numbers; it also disrupted the Grizzlies’ offensive flow. Memphis thrives on fast breaks, quick passes, and ball movement, but Reaves’ defense disrupted the rhythm, forcing them into isolation plays where they were more likely to turn the ball over. With Morant struggling, the rest of the Grizzlies' offense had to carry the load, and it was clear they couldn’t pick up the slack.

LeBron's Return and Davis' Dominance

While Reaves’ defense on Morant was a major factor in the win, the Lakers' victory was also propelled by Anthony Davis, who once again proved that he is the true leader of this team. Davis delivered a massive 40-point, 16-rebound performance, showcasing why he has been the Lakers’ most consistent and dominant player this season. His efforts on both ends of the floor were unmatched, and his presence in the paint was a major factor in limiting Memphis’ opportunities.

Davis’ scoring was on full display as he took over the game, especially in crucial moments when the Lakers needed a bucket. His rebounding, however, was just as vital. His 16 boards helped the Lakers dominate the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities for Memphis. The Grizzlies, despite having a solid team performance in other areas, simply couldn’t match the Lakers' physicality and effort.

Davis’ consistency and leadership this season have been impressive, especially when compared to his previous years where injuries plagued his performances. This year, Davis has been nearly unstoppable, and with LeBron James back in the lineup, he’s been able to showcase his full potential. The pairing of Davis and James continues to be a dominant force in the league, and against Memphis, they showed just how dangerous they can be when both are healthy and locked in.

Russell's Struggles

While the Lakers came out on top, not all the news was positive. D’Angelo Russell, who had been a key piece for the Lakers since his trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, once again struggled in the spotlight. Russell finished the game with just 7 points on 3-of-7 shooting, continuing a trend where he hasn’t been able to produce efficiently against tough opponents. In fact, Russell’s struggles against stronger competition have become a talking point this season, and this game was no different.

His performance against Memphis wasn’t an anomaly. In the previous game, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Russell posted an even worse performance, scoring just 5 points on 2-of-10 shooting. With James back in the lineup, there are questions about Russell’s ability to coexist with the Lakers' stars. His struggles with shot selection and consistency have raised concerns among fans and analysts, as the Lakers need him to step up in big games, especially when the team faces elite opponents like the Grizzlies.

Despite the win, the question remains whether Russell can be relied upon in the long run. The Lakers need him to perform well consistently, especially as the season progresses and they aim for a playoff spot. Whether it’s a lack of chemistry with James or an issue with his own shot selection, the Lakers will need to find a solution if they want to remain competitive in the West.

The Lakers' Playoff Push

With the win, the Lakers improved to 14-12, sitting at 10th place in the Western Conference, tied with the Los Angeles Clippers. This victory was important for the Lakers, as they’ve struggled to find consistency this season. The team’s depth and defensive intensity have been questioned at times, but with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves stepping up, the Lakers look like a team ready to make a push for a higher playoff seed.

Their defense, especially in critical moments, was a key to this win. As the Lakers continue to mesh together, they’ll need contributions from players like Reaves to elevate their defensive game. If Reaves can continue to develop into a reliable defender who can take on the challenge of guarding elite players like Ja Morant, the Lakers' defensive ceiling will increase significantly.

With the return of James and the continued dominance of Davis, the Lakers are in a strong position to make a playoff run. However, the contributions from players like Reaves, who have stepped up in a major way, will be crucial to their success as they move forward in a tough Western Conference.

The Road Ahead

The Lakers will need to build on this victory, as the competition in the West only continues to get tougher. With games against other playoff-caliber teams coming up, including the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers must stay focused and continue to find ways to win. Their defense, led by players like Reaves, will be a key component as they navigate the remainder of the season.

For now, however, the Lakers and their fans can celebrate this victory over the Grizzlies, knowing that their defense is improving and their star players are ready to make a deep playoff run. With Reaves proving his worth as a defensive weapon, the future looks bright for the Lakers as they aim to continue their climb up the standings.