Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts toward Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) after a three point basket during the first half of the NBA at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Ja Morant scored 20 points before leaving the game late in the third quarter with an injury and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells also contributed 20 to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 131-114 victory Wednesday over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
LeBron James had 39 points to lead the Lakers, who played without injured big man Anthony Davis, the NBA’s leading scorer at 32.6 points per game. Austin Reaves added 19 for Los Angeles, which lost for the fourth time in five games.
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Memphis was aided by its strong long-range shooting. The Grizzlies made 17- of 34 3-pointers, including 12 of 16 in the second half.
READ: NBA: Anthony Davis says Lakers must be better amid injury concerns
Morant took a hard fall with 3:45 left in the third quarter while attempting a left-handed dunk. He walked to the locker room and did not return. He was later diagnosed with a right hamstring injury.
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Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins missed the game because of a death in his family. Assistant Tuomas Iisalo served as head coach in Jenkins’ absence.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dunks during the first half of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Davis did not play because of a left heel injury. Through seven games this season Davis is averaging 11.6 rebounds and shooting 57.1 percent.
Ahead by six at the half, the Grizzlies used torrid shooting from beyond the arc to extend their lead to 95-81 at the end of the third quarter. Memphis made 8 of 10 3-pointers in the quarter, including three by reserve Jay Huff, a former Laker.
READ: NBA: LeBron James’ triple-double lifts Lakers over Kings
The Grizzlies built their advantage of 21 points late in the fourth quarter following a 3-pointer from the rookie Wells.
The Lakers were coming off a 115-103 loss at Detroit on Monday.
The Grizzlies, who never trailed, led by 10 late in the first quarter and by six (59-53) at halftime.
James had 22 at the half for the Lakers and Morant had 13 for the Grizzlies. Without Davis, the Lakers were outrebounded 31-20 in the first half.
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Memphis reserve wing Luke Kennard appeared in his first game of the season. He had missed the first eight games of the season with a muscle strain in his left foot. –Field Level Media