Luka Doncic made his return from a three-game absence look effortless, pouring in 44 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists to carry the Los Angeles Lakers past the Memphis Grizzlies, 117-112, in a high-stakes NBA Cup opener. With LeBron James sidelined due to right sciatica, the Lakers relied on Doncic’s versatility and leadership to erase a 14-point halftime deficit, navigating a back-and-forth contest that featured 14 lead changes and seven ties before L.A. seized control in the fourth quarter.
Memphis stormed out of the gates, fueled by a 27-4 run that briefly put them in command, but the Lakers’ combination of sharpshooting, clutch free throws, and key contributions from Austin Reaves and the bench allowed them to weather the storm. This was a huge Cup victory by the Lakers, and let’s grade every player who made the court for them on Friday night.
Luka Doncic: A+
Game Stats: 44 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 14-27 FG, 6-15 3PT FG, 10-13 FT, 39 MIN
Luka Doncic was nothing short of spectacular in his return, leading the Lakers with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists while controlling the game from start to finish. Shooting 51.9% from the field and 40% from three, he attacked the basket aggressively, created shots for teammates, and consistently drew fouls, converting 10-of-13 free throws in clutch moments.
His 16-point third quarter was pivotal in erasing Memphis’ double-digit halftime lead, and he orchestrated the offense with poise, making sure the Lakers remained in control during a game that featured 14 lead changes and seven ties. Beyond the stat line, Doncic’s leadership and ability to dictate pace set the tone for the entire squad tonight.
Austin Reaves: A-
Game Stats: 21 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 5-14 FG, 2-8 3PT FG, 9-9 FT, 36 MIN
Austin Reaves provided a critical complement to Doncic, finishing with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists while hitting all 9 of his free throws. Despite a 5-of-14 shooting night, he delivered in key moments, especially in the fourth quarter, attacking the basket and keeping Memphis defenders honest with his perimeter shooting.
Reaves’ defense and hustle plays, like deflections and loose-ball recoveries, helped stem Memphis’ momentum, and his ability to knock down timely threes opened driving lanes for Doncic. Overall, Reaves’ blend of scoring, playmaking, and composure made him the perfect secondary option in a high-stakes, back-and-forth contest.
Marcus Smart: B+
Game Stats: 12 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 5-8 FG, 1-4 3PT FG, 1-1 FT, 35 MIN
Marcus Smart had a strong all-around outing, posting 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, along with 2 steals while defending multiple positions. He was efficient with his scoring, shooting 62.5% from the field, and contributed a timely three-pointer during a critical stretch in the third quarter.
Smart’s defensive intensity helped slow Memphis’ perimeter players, particularly Ja Morant, and his decision-making as a secondary ball-handler allowed Dončić to attack off the pick-and-roll with confidence. While he wasn’t a primary scorer, Smart’s presence on both ends provided stability and balance for the Lakers throughout the tightly contested game.
Jake LaRavia: B+
Game Stats: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 5-8 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 2-3 FT, 23 MIN
Jake LaRavia delivered another excellent performance for the Lakers, putting up 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 23 minutes off the bench. He shot efficiently (5-of-8 FG) and hit a three-pointer at a critical moment to help maintain the Lakers’ lead in the third quarter.
LaRavia also contributed defensively with 2 steals, rotating effectively on Memphis’ shooters and contesting shots without fouling. His energy and timely scoring provided a spark that allowed the Lakers to counter Memphis’ big runs and showcased his potential as a reliable secondary contributor.
Rui Hachimura: C+
Game Stats: 9 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2-4 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 3-4 FT, 38 MIN
Rui Hachimura played 38 minutes, contributing 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from three. His scoring was steady but unspectacular, with much of his impact coming on the defensive end and in spacing the floor for Doncic.
Hachimura’s presence in pick-and-rolls and ability to attack closeouts helped keep Memphis honest, but his offensive aggression could have been stronger in the second half when the Lakers needed sustained scoring runs. Still, his consistency and willingness to play tough minutes were valuable in a game filled with swings.
Jaxson Hayes: C+
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-2 FT, 23 MIN
Jaxson Hayes contributed 2 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 23 minutes, showing versatility as a rim protector and secondary facilitator. His rebounding and passing out of the post helped the Lakers keep possessions alive, and his defense was important in slowing Memphis’ interior scoring despite being outmatched at times on the offensive glass.
Hayes’ offensive production was limited, but his ability to generate extra possessions and defend multiple angles made him a valuable rotation piece in a close, back-and-forth contest.
Deandre Ayton: C+
Game Stats: 9 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 4-6 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 1-1 FT, 17 MIN
Deandre Ayton provided a solid interior presence in a limited 17 minutes, scoring 9 points while grabbing 3 rebounds and hitting 4-of-6 field goals. Though he didn’t record a block or a steal, his finishing around the rim was efficient, and he absorbed contact in the paint, allowing the Lakers to maintain offensive flow when Doncic was handling the ball.
He struggled with back spasms during the game and was forced to sit out, but Ayton made a solid impact in a quick start to the game before getting shut down in favor of Jaxson Hayes.
Jarred Vanderbilt: C
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1-2 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-2 FT, 23 MIN
Jarred Vanderbilt had a quiet but effective game with 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and a block in 14 minutes, providing the Lakers with energy and athleticism off the bench. He contributed on both ends, crashing the boards to help limit Memphis’ second-chance opportunities and contesting shots in the paint.
Vanderbilt’s hustle plays and smart rotations helped maintain defensive stability, and while his scoring was minimal, his overall impact contributed to keeping the Lakers in striking distance before the fourth-quarter push.
Dalton Knecht: C
Game Stats: 5 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 15 MIN
Dalton Knecht had a modest performance, scoring 5 points with 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 15 minutes of action. He made some defensive contributions and knocked down a three-pointer, but struggled with consistency and didn’t make a major impact on the game’s flow.
Knecht’s role was primarily to provide depth and energy off the bench, and while he had flashes of activity, he’ll need more assertiveness and defensive presence to influence games at this level.
