Luka Dončić and LeBron James Power Lakers' Late Surge to Defeat Grizzlies 128-121

Luka Dončić and LeBron James Lead Lakers' Fourth-Quarter Surge in 128-121 Win Over GrizzliesThe Los Angeles Lakers kicked off 2026 with a hard-fought 128-121 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on January 2 at Crypto.com Arena, thanks to a dominant late-game performance from superstars Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić poured in a game-high 34 points (including 17-of-20 from the free-throw line) with eight assists, while James contributed 31 points and nine rebounds, powering a crucial fourth-quarter push that sealed the win.The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Lakers building early leads only to see Memphis respond fiercely. Los Angeles jumped out to a 15-point advantage in the second quarter, but the Grizzlies unleashed an 18-0 run to take the lead. The teams entered halftime with the Lakers up by six, and the third quarter saw more momentum swings, including a quick 6-0 Grizzlies spurt to tie it.In the fourth, Dončić and James took over. The duo combined for key scoring bursts, including a 12-2 run highlighted by Dončić's assists on 3-pointers and James' clutch baskets. Their playmaking and scoring overwhelmed a short-handed Memphis squad missing several players, including rookie standout Zach Edey.Supporting performances came from Jake LaRavia, who provided hustle plays and scoring off the bench, and big men like Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton, who dominated the paint. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. led with 25 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20 (many in a third-quarter surge), and Ja Morant recorded 16 points with 11 assists in a double-double effort.For full recaps and highlights, check coverage from the Los Angeles Times latimes.com , Reuters reuters.com , and Lakers Nation lakersnation.com .Key Moments from Lakers vs Grizzlies January 2026The contest showcased the Lakers' star power but also exposed familiar issues—like letting leads slip through defensive lapses and turnovers. An 18-0 Grizzlies run in the second quarter flipped the script, but Dončić's 15 points in the third and the duo's fourth-quarter dominance restored order.Dončić drew fouls relentlessly, converting 17 free throws, while James shot efficiently and facilitated in transition. Their chemistry—honed since Dončić's blockbuster trade to LA in February 2025—shone through in crunch time.Memphis, playing shorthanded, relied heavily on bench production and hot shooting stretches but couldn't match the Lakers' closing firepower.Luka Dončić and LeBron James: The Dynamic Duo Driving Lakers' SuccessSince the shocking February 2025 trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Dončić, the Lakers have built around the pairing of the 26-year-old Slovenian sensation and the ageless LeBron James. Dončić has thrived in purple and gold, averaging over 30 points per game, while James continues defying Father Time at 41.This win snapped a recent skid for LA, providing momentum heading into the new year. Coach JJ Redick praised the stars' leadership: "It starts with them setting the tone."Grizzlies' Effort Despite InjuriesMemphis fought valiantly without key pieces, with Jackson Jr. and Caldwell-Pope stepping up. Ja Morant's playmaking kept them competitive, but foul trouble and the Lakers' stars proved too much.The teams rematch soon, offering Memphis a quick redemption chance.What This Win Means for the Lakers in 2026Entering the game amid a rough patch (losing four of five), this victory reaffirms the Lakers' contender status in the loaded Western Conference. With Dončić and James healthy and clicking, plus supporting pieces like LaRavia contributing, LA looks poised for a strong 2026 push—potentially eyeing another deep playoff run.Fans celebrated the superstar tandem's performance on social media, with clips of their late surge going viral. As one analyst noted, "When Luka and LeBron turn it on, few teams can keep up."The Lakers improve to around .600 on the season, solidifying their top-five West standing. Next up: continuing the homestand and building on this momentum.