The Los Angeles Lakers secured a much-needed 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, boosted by a dominant 40-point performance from Anthony Davis and the return of LeBron James.
This win was essential for the Lakers, who have been struggling with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, including two blowout losses to the Nuggets and Wolves, and a crushing 41-point defeat to the Heat.
LeBron‘s absence from the team for personal reasons came after another tough loss to the Wolves. He returned after eight days off, with a focus on regaining his fitness.
“A lot of rehab and a lot of training still,” LeBron explained in a clip shared by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“I made sure that I was ready to go tonight… didn’t want to get too much out of shape.”
LeBron’s return helped the Lakers
In his return, LeBron and the Lakers displayed a renewed intensity on both ends of the floor. New starter Max Christie impressed on defense, particularly limiting Ja Morant to just 20 points on 6-of-21 shooting. However, while the Lakers‘ defense showed promise, LeBron‘s individual struggles continue to raise concerns for the team.