CENTER SLIDE NBA LIVE: Grizzlies vs Lakers
While the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks are two of the most interesting teams in basketball as expected, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers represent almost an opposite traditional ball game alongside them with a good balanced roster through experienced veterans alongside first-class players for some teams. You know when these two teams get together, drama is always a part of the mix as well as intensity and possible production from star players that you won’t forget anytime soon. The Grizzlies vs Lakers games are always compelling, as their playoff matchups, regular-season skirmishes and player battles over the years indicate.
Both franchises have title aspirations for this 2023-2024 NBA season and each of their respective tales are a bit different. Lakers vs. Grizzlies The Lakers, led by future Hall of Famer LeBron James, are hoping to continue their momentum from last season into the playoffs while Ja Morant and the young core of Memphis can take that next step towards a championship.
Here are the principal storylines and, in terms of MNF (Grizz vs Lakers) what to look for/expect.
Through All the LeBron James and Anthony Davis-focused trade buzz this week, it is again the Lakers turn to review their post-Championship contendership.
The Lakers are trying to win right now, as if they are operating under the command of LeBron James even though it is clear that the 39-year-old’s career is coming to an end. However, even after more than 20 seasons in the league, LeBron still looks every part of a top player. With Anthony Davis being one of the most elite defenders and a physical presence as well, the Lakers have a nice base.
But the Lakers are more than LeBron and Davis now. With Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura added to the fold; they have a good stable of players. The team signed backcourt and frontcourt help in Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes, respectively.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: one of the MOST young and dynamic teams in the league to watch and follow combined with Ja Morant superstardom
The Grizzlies are a Ja Morant team, and when you have an electric point guard like him, the expectations go up. Opposing defenses have had nightmares with the combination of athleticism, playmaking, and scoring ability that Morant possesses. But in 2023, off-court-related suspensions to Morant put a damper on what could have been an exciting season for the Grizzlies. Morant is suspended for 25 games for inappropriate conduct relating to the NBA’s conduct policy through the 2023-2024 season, which means the Grizzlies will need to lean on their depth and team-first mentality without him.
But the Grizzlies are more than just Ja Morant. They boast a stout supporting group in the form of NBA 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., along with role players such as Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks (before his departure), and Steven Adams. The Memphis that lives in the mind or at least on the defensive boards is one built around grit-and-grind basketball — defense, rebounding and points in transition.
The Grizzlies are still the dangerous team that can go toe to toe with the best of the West despite Morant missing a portion of the season. They have one of the strongest, most aggressive defenses in the NBA, and when he’s available Morant’s running can lead to explosive offense in transition.
Grizzlies X-Factors:
Ja Morant: The Grizzlies let the slip through their fingers without Morant in the second half of last season, and once he returns from suspension they’ll have the scoring, playmaking and transition-leading to be a true contender. When he does come back, the other storyline will be his matchup with LeBron and against Lakers’ defense.
