The Lakers’ LeBron James celebrates his basket at the end of the third quarter of Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, goes to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass the ball defended by LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis dunks during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Tyus Jones #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass the ball guarded by Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks, center, and center Jonas Valanciunas defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Tyus Jones #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots defended by Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots in the first half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks, left, and forward Kyle Anderson congratulate each other during a timeout in the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, left, tries to pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, center, and forward LeBron James during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James complains about the lack of a foul call during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots defended by Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a layup defended by Gorgui Dieng #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, right, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled by Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: John Konchar #46 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots defended by Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, center, grabs a rebound away from Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks, left, and center Jonas Valanciunas during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after scoring during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his dunk against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma passes the ball during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Alfonzo McKinnie #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass the ball defended by Marc Gasol #14 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers collides with Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers high-fives Alex Caruso #4 during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots defended by Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers is injured in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after scoring during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 115-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES — After hitting a stepback 3-pointer a half-second shy of the third-quarter buzzer, LeBron James felt like celebrating.
He raised his arms ushering an imaginary crowd to make noise. He pointed to the empty seats, hamming it up to the TV audience he’s often wished were present and screaming in the Staples Center confines.
Perhaps James, in the midst of his 28-point, nine-rebound, eight-assist outing, was getting an early start on a night he knew would not require overtime for the first time in a week. Or maybe the 41-23 edge the Lakers had just earned in the third quarter had him feeling light and loose.
It was all true, of course: The Lakers (21-6) walloped the visiting Grizzlies, 115-105, after another slow start, and James and Anthony Davis (35 points in his return to the lineup) were at the heart of it, turning on the burners in a second half that blew Memphis away. Even though he had fun with the pantomime, it was the kind of comeback where he wished he could hear the roaring reaction.
“I’m just definitely imagining our fans being in the building,” James said. “It’s not the same without them.”
It was the seventh consecutive win for the Lakers, extending their longest streak of the season. While the homestand at Staples Center has skidded into mediocrity, most recently forcing the Lakers into three straight overtime games against teams with losing records, the fleeting moments of brilliance have served as reminders of the potential they have to maul lesser foes.
And “mauling” adeptly described the second-half effort against Memphis (10-11), as James threaded passes into the post for dunks, or dunked himself as he did with three minutes left, effectively supplying the dagger. It was also players like Kyle Kuzma (20 points, 10 rebounds) who helped pour it on, cleaning the glass and putting back misses as the advantage flipped.
The decisive stretch was the final 1:42 of the third quarter, during which the Lakers outscored the visitors 14-2, capped by James’ stepback 3-pointer.
When the Lakers can crank out runs like that at will, it helps explain their slow starts.
“Anytime you’re defending champions, teams want to take out the champs,” said Davis, who grabbed nine rebounds. “Everybody have confidence to make plays on the opposing team, and we have to be ready for that. And we have been. Teams have made shots, but we’ve showed the type of team we can be.”
The Lakers looked destined for another nail-biter against a middling team, putting themselves in the deepest hole they’ve encountered yet. With Jonas Valanciunas throwing in hooks and short jumpers in rapid succession, and with a jump shot-heavy approach of their own on offense, it wasn’t long before the Lakers found themselves trailing 20-2 halfway through the first quarter, burning a second timeout to talk it over.
A shift change created more urgency to the offense, but the Lakers struggled to make up ground against the two-headed attack of Valanciunas (22 points) and Ja Morant (22 points, 10 assists), as well as some coldly efficient shooting from spot starter Grayson Allen (8 for 13).
James called it “horrendous.” But he also acknowledged those deep holes the Lakers have dug themselves into has unlocked another gear for them, too.
“It raises our attentive level back up,” he said. “We also know we’ve got to be – I don’t want to say perfect because you’re never going to be perfect – but you’ve got to be as close to perfect as possible to get back into the game.”
After a two-game layoff with tendonosis in his right Achilles tendon, Davis wasn’t always going full speed, and in pauses could be seen flexing his right ankle to work out what appeared to be lingering soreness. But his jump-shot was no worse for the wear: Davis was 16 for 27 from the floor, including a run in the middle quarters that kept the Lakers afloat as they struggled to close the gap to single digits.
One of their best early chances came right before halftime, as they trailed by 10 when Wesley Matthews blocked a shot that gave them the ball with 41 seconds left. But the Lakers couldn’t cash in, and on the other end, second-year guard Morant knocked down a 3-pointer over Davis’ outstretched arm, putting Memphis ahead 59-46 at the break.
But the Lakers really started chipping away in the third quarter, when everything was clicking. James and Davis outscored the Grizzlies by themselves (24-23), and the Lakers won the glass (11 to 6) and turnovers (2 to 7). The giveaways were the most critical issue for Memphis, which surrendered 16 points off of turnovers in the third quarter alone.
When the Lakers weren’t finishing in the paint, they were doing damage at the free-throw line: They finished with 33 free-throw attempts for the night to only 19 for the Grizzlies.
There was one scary moment for the Lakers, as Montrezl Harrell (14 points, seven rebounds) was caught in a friendly collision with Kuzma and wound up on the floor. Harrell left the game and walked slowly to the locker room, not to return to action, but he did return to the bench in the fourth quarter as a good-natured spectator.
The Lakers next hit the road for another date with the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening. For the first time in four games, James didn’t have to play 40 minutes, which while he maintained that he’s “not tired” from the recent addition to his workload, it comforts the Lakers nonetheless.
“Obviously the big picture is to build habits that are going to win games for us in the playoff,” Coach Frank Vogel said. “We’ll be responsible with minutes if we don’t go to overtime every night”
Added Vogel: “And within those minutes, we want to win every damn possession.”
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