Lakers can’t slow down the Grizzlies in 112-96 loss

The Lakers were beaten soundly on Sunday, falling 112-96 to the Grizzlies in Memphis.

The Grizzlies, a team that often struggles to score, shot 56.2% from the field, pulling ahead by as many as 25 points in a game they led wire to wire.

Mike Conley led Memphis with 19 points. Jeff Green had 17 and Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol each scored 16. Courtney Lee (13) and Mario Chalmers (11) were also in double figures.

The Lakers shot only 38.1% from the field. They were led by Kobe Bryant with 19 points.

Larry Nance Jr. had his best game as a pro, scoring 17 points on eight-for-12 shooting and pulling down 11 rebounds.

The Lakers also got 12 points from Jordan Clarkson and 10 from D’Angelo Russell. Lou Williams missed eight of 10 shots, scoring only five points in 30 minutes.

Julius Randle scored nine points in 23 1/2 minutes and led all players with 13 rebounds.

Memphis turned the ball over only 10 times, recording 30 assists on 45 baskets. The Lakers had only 16 assists on 32 baskets with 15 turnovers. Bryant, Russell and Clarkson each dished three assists.

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Lakers forward Julius Randle and Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph battle for a rebound during a Dec. 27 game in Memphis.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Grizzlies guard Russ Smith (2) tries to steal the ball from Lakers guard Marcelo Huertas during the second half.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Lakers forward Ryan Kelly tries to drive past Grizzlies guard Vince Carter during the second half.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) tries to fight through a screen by Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green while guarding Vince Carter in the first half.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

5/10

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives against Grizzlies guard Tony Allen in the first half Sunday.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson pushes the ball up court against the Grizzlies in the first half.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant looks for some room to operate against Grizzlies guard Tony Allen in the first half Sunday.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Lakers forward Julius Randle spins away from the double-team defense of Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green, left, and guard Mario Chalmers in the first half.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

9/10

Lakers forward Nick Young (0) uses a screen from center Roy Hibbert (17) to drive past Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes in the first half.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is greeted by Grizzlies center Marc Gasol before Sunday’s game.

  (Karen Pulfer Focht / Associated Press)

Chalmers (seven) and Gasol (six) combined for 13 assists, nearly matching the Lakers’ total.

The Lakers (5-26) travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets (16-13) on Monday. The Grizzlies (17-16) play host to the Miami Heat (18-11) on Tuesday.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.