- The Result: The Los Angeles Lakers erased a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies in a thriller.
- Star Power: Luka Dončić led all scorers with 36 points, nearly recording a triple-double in his newest signature performance for LA.
- What’s Next: The Lakers look to carry this momentum into Monday’s high-stakes matchup against the 76ers.
LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić proved exactly why the front office went all-in to bring him to Hollywood. Facing a gritty Memphis squad that refused to blink for three quarters, Dončić took over the final frame, leading the Lakers to a massive comeback victory on Sunday night.
The Dončić & LeBron Connection
Memphis held the lead for much of the night, powered by a breakout performance from Jake LaRavia, who matched LeBron James with 26 points. However, the Lakers’ superstar duo found their rhythm when it mattered most. Dončić was relentless, finishing with 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. He hit four shots from beyond the arc, including two back-to-back deep balls that ignited the home crowd during a 14-2 run late in the fourth.
🏀 SUNDAY’S FINAL SCORES 🏀
Luka Dončić helps lead the late comeback in the @Lakers win over Memphis!
LeBron James: 26 PTS, 7 REB, 10 AST
Jake LaRavia: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4 3PM https://t.co/faULVkao4X pic.twitter.com/BNfUF7wrEw— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2026
LeBron James played the role of the ultimate floor general. While his scoring was vital, his 10 assists kept the Memphis defense scrambling. James added 26 points and 7 rebounds of his own, ensuring the Grizzlies couldn’t just double-team Dončić without paying a price.
By The Numbers: Lakers vs. Grizzlies
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Dončić (LAL) | 36 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
| LeBron James (LAL) | 26 | 7 | 10 | 0 |
| Jake LaRavia (MEM) | 26 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
What They Said
“We didn’t panic. We’ve been in these holes before, but having a guy like Luka who can create something out of nothing makes the comeback feel inevitable.” — LeBron James on the fourth-quarter rally.
Playoff Implications
This win keeps the Lakers within striking distance of the top seed in the Western Conference. More importantly, it demonstrates that the chemistry between Dončić and James is evolving past the “growing pains” phase. Memphis, despite the loss, showed they can hang with the league’s heavyweights, but their inability to close out games against elite shot-makers remains a concern as the postseason approaches.
The Lakers have a quick turnaround, heading into a cross-conference clash with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. If Dončić continues this level of efficiency, the rest of the West is officially on notice.
