Lakers start new year by being just good enough

The Lakers needed a response after a rough December, and Friday offered one. Not perfect. Not smooth. But good enough.

Los Angeles opened the new year with a 128-121 home win over the short-handed Grizzlies, improving to 21-11 in a game that felt far more unstable than the final score suggests.

There were stretches where the Lakers looked ready to take control, only to loosen their grip. It happened early, it happened again late, and it kept Memphis hanging around longer than it probably should have.

Still, the tone was set quickly. Luka Doncic (34 points) got going early, Jake LaRavia (21) played with a little extra juice against his former team, and the Lakers pushed out to an early lead.

LaRavia’s activity stood out. Hustle plays, transition finishes, and confident shots. Exactly what the Lakers have needed from their role players.

Memphis didn’t fold. Their bench sparked multiple runs, particularly when the Lakers stopped defending the three-point line with urgency. That’s been a theme at times this season, and it showed up again.

The Grizzlies erased double-digit deficits more than once and even managed an 18-0 run that briefly flipped the game.

Through it all, LeBron James (31 points) stayed steady. He didn’t force much, picked his spots, and closed when it mattered.

Energy, control, and timing. That’s still his formula.

The fourth quarter finally tilted when the Lakers found some separation through effort plays. A couple of emphatic finishes inside, timely threes, and just enough defensive resistance to keep Memphis from getting all the way back.

Once Los Angeles built a small cushion, they didn’t give it back.

It wasn’t a statement win. It was more of a reminder. When the Lakers play with pace, defend with intention, and get real contributions beyond their stars, they’re still difficult to deal with.

They’ll get another crack at Memphis on Sunday before heading out on the road.