Lakers forward Rui Hachimura shoots in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) driveds against Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes dunks against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) shoots from between Memphis Grizzlies forwards Santi Aldama (7) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard DeJon Jarreau, center, passes the ball past Lakers guard Max Christie (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves dribbles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard DeJon Jarreau (77) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) and Memphis Grizzlies guard DeJon Jarred (77) reach for the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Taurean Prince handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, right, drives as Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. Hachimura had 32 points and 10 rebounds and shot 7 for 8 from 3-point range in a 136-124 win. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura dunks over Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II (45) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes dunks against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes dunks against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard DeJon Jarreau (77) defends against Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard Spencer Dinwiddie handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) defends against Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James drives as Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura shoots in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. handles the ball in the first half of a game against the Lakers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell plays in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell plays in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard Spencer Dinwiddie handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II(45) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forwards Rui Hachimura, left, and LeBron James play in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forwards Rui Hachimura, left, and LeBron James play in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) and forward Santi Aldama (7) defend during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James walks off of the court after the first half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) handles the ball against Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson drives to the basket between Lakers guard Spencer Dinwiddie, left, and Lakers star LeBron James during the second half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr., center, drives to the basket between Lakers star LeBron James, left, and Spencer Dinwiddie during the second half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Lamar Stevens defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke drives to the basket as Lakers center Jaxson Hayes defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura drives to the basket as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. Hachimura had 32 points and 10 rebounds and shot 7 for 8 from 3-point range in a 136-124 win. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane drives to the basket as Lakers guard Spencer Dinwiddie defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James goes to the basket against Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Lamar Stevens, center, tries to pass the ball between the Lakers’ Maxwell Lewis, left, and Harry Giles III during the second half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James looks on during the first half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens shoots in the second half of a game against the Lakers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard Spencer Dinwiddie handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens handles the ball against Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, center, handles the ball against Lakers forward Taurean Prince (12) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II looks to shoot between Lakers guard Spencer Dinwiddie, left, and forward LeBron James in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama handles the ball in the second half of a game against the Lakers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers star LeBron James looks to pass as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Lamar Stevens defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane handles the ball against Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura goes to the basket during the first half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke reacts in the second half of a game against the Lakers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes dunks in front of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes reacts after dunking during the first half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, left, and forward Brandon Clarke stand on the court in the second half of a game against the Lakers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as the Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. drives between Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and guard Spencer Dinwiddie in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James plays in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura takes a shot during the first half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, Tenn. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II shoots against Lakers forward Taurean Prince in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James handles the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke reacts in the second half of a game against the Lakers Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before a game against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Anthony Davis not being available has more often than not been a problem for the Lakers, especially defensively.
That wasn’t the case on Wednesday night, as the Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 136-124, for their season-best fifth consecutive victory and pulled within 2½ games of idle Dallas for the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings, a spot that would avoid a play-in game.
“We were sharing the ball a lot,” Hachimura said. “Everybody was playing for each other today, passing the ball, all the passes came on the right time, the right spot.”
James, who was back in the lineup after missing Tuesday’s double-overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks because of his injured left ankle, had 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season to go with two steals.
“It was good to be back out there with them,” James said, “and be able to do a lot of things [Wednesday] to help us win.”
Hachimura had 32 points and 10 rebounds, his second double-double of the season after recording one against the Bucks.
“I’ve been on him all year about rebounding more, being active on the glass, being an active defender and not leaking out,” Ham said. “He has a tendency to wanna take off running, assuming someone else is gonna get the defensive rebound. And it stops him from participating, but to his credit, he’s heard us loud and clear. I’m not the only one telling him this. His teammates, the other coaches are all delivering the same message and he’s responding well to it.”
His seven 3-pointers (on just eight attempts) were a career-high.
“Rui’s ability to shoot and spread the floor tonight was big time for us,” James said. “It kept Jaren Jackson [Jr.] kind of away from the paint. And then when he was able to get into the paint, we was able to kick out for 3s for Rui. And he just stayed locked in all day, all night, and made them pay.”
All five Lakers starters scored in double figures, including Jaxson Hayes (14 points, seven rebounds), who started in place of Davis. D’Angelo Russell had 23 points and Austin Reaves had 13 points and 11 assists.
Taurean Prince (15 points) and Spencer Dinwiddie (14 points and seven rebounds) paced the bench.
James’ floor game stood out, with the four-time league MVP making his first six shots, helping the Lakers open a 69-61 halftime lead.
The Lakers (41-32) blitzed the Grizzlies (24-49) to start the third quarter, with Hachimura making back-to-back 3-pointers and before Russell made a 3-pointer to extend the margin to 78-64 – a lead that ballooned to 98-71 later in the quarter. The Lakers made eight of their first 10 long-range shots in the third to stretch their advantage.
But when James, who had an individual plus/minus of plus-33, was off the floor, the Lakers struggled.
The Grizzlies closed the third on a 21-4 run with James on the bench, cutting the Lakers’ lead to 102-92.
“We let the whistles or lack thereof get the better of us mentally,” Ham said. “Some guys were playing downhill, thought they got hit. Whether you think so or not, whether they call it or not, you still got to have a next-play mentality as tough as it is. And they were able to make a run.”
But James and the Lakers found their groove again in the final quarter.
Reaves assisted Hachimura on his seventh 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 113-98 lead with 9:13 remaining. The Lakers maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the night.
“All in all, coming off [Tuesday’s] game, double overtime, it was a tough win, especially playing against a tough, fast team like Memphis that’s got a lot of shooting,” Ham said. “I’m just proud of our guys that we were able to hang on and pull it out. We knew coming off the (Bucks) game, this was not going to be a walk in the park.”
The Lakers play down the stretch of the season is reminiscent of their run to make the playoffs last season. They finished that season 9-2 and made a play-in game, where they defeated Minnesota before dispatching the Grizzlies in six games in a first-round series.
“Our laundry list has been simplified,” Ham said. “We know that nothing else matters if we don’t take care of our own business. You feel the playoff smell in the air. The playoffs and the postseason are rapidly approaching.”
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 26 points and 16 assists. Jake LaRavia scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, and Jaren Jackson added 17. The Grizzlies have lost six of seven.
LeBron and Rui lead the way as the @Lakers win their 5th-straight game
"Our health has always been the most important thing for our ballclub." LeBron James on managing injuries in the final stretch on the season. pic.twitter.com/ZcST3ShmEX
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