Kobe Bryant sets record for missed shots as Lakers fall to Grizzlies, 107-102

Memphis Grizzlies 107 - Lakers 102

The Lakers scrambled to overcome a 17-point deficit in Memphis on Tuesday night, but ultimately fell short in the final moments to the Grizzlies, dropping to 1-6 on the season.

The Grizzlies got the best performance of the season from their second unit, helping to push the score to 101-84 with 6:50 left on the clock. The Lakers responded with 11-straight points, eventually whittling down the deficit to just three points with 37.1 seconds left on a Wesley Johnson dunk.

The Lakers forced the Grizzlies into a five-second turnover, but Jordan Hill took a quick (but open) jumper that didn’t fall. Zach Randolph converted a Marc Gasol miss to end the scoring for the night.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers’ charge, scoring 28 points on 10-26 shooting. Carlos Boozer fouled out with 20 points and eight rebounds. Hill notched a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Johnson (15 points) and Lin (12) were also in double figures.

Mike Conley was high-man for Memphis with 23 points. Marc Gasol neared a triple-double with eight points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Randolph was relatively quiet, scoring 11 on 4-10 shooting (with 10 rebounds).

The Grizzlies’ bench did a lot of the damage, led by 16 points from Beno Udrih (8-11 shooting) and 14 from Kosta Koufos (5-5 from the field). Memphis shot 52.6% from the field and 80.6% from the line (26 attempts).

The Lakers finished at 47.1% from the field and 76.5% from the line (17 attempts). The Grizzlies dominated the offensive glass early, but the Lakers finished with a 15-12 advantage. Both teams ended with 38 total rebounds.

Bryant passed John Havlicek (13,418) on the all-time, missed field goal list. Others in the top-six include Michael Jordan (12,345) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12,470).

The Lakers fly quickly to New Orleans to play the Pelicans (3-3) on Wednesday. The Grizzlies, who are tied with the Toronto Raptors with the best record in the NBA at 7-1, host the Sacramento Kings (5-2) on Tuesday.

Grizzlies 83 - Lakers 75 (end of third quarter)

The Lakers competed in the third quarter, but seemed to lose momentum when Jordan Hill fouled Mike Conley on a three-point attempt. Byron Scott didn’t like the call and the Grizzlies came away with five points in one possession.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 20 points but he shot just 36.8% from the field (7-19) in 31 minutes. The Lakers hit 47.0% as a team, with Wesley Johnson and Carlos Boozer adding 13. Jordan Hill missed 10 of 14 shots for eight points but pulled in 12 rebounds.

The Grizzlies shot 51.7% from the field and 90% from the line (18-20). The Lakers converted nine of 12 (75.0%).

Memphis was led by Conley with 16 points. Courtney Lee scored 14 while Zach Randolph chipped in just seven (2-7 shooting).

Grizzlies 56 - Lakers 52 (halftime)

The Grizzlies took advantage of the Lakers’ bench to start the second quarter, extending to a 12-point lead.

With Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin back on the floor, the Lakers narrowed the gap to four by the half.

Bryant led the Lakers with 11 points while Wesley Johnson and Carlos Boozer added 10 apiece. The Lakers shot 55.0% from the field.

Memphis had three scorers with 10 points (Tony Allen, Courtney Lee and Beno Udrih). Udrih hit all five of his attempts in under nine minutes of play. Kosta Koufos scored eight on just two attempts (with four free throws).

Zach Randolph didn’t hit a shot, scoring three points on 0-5 shooting. Marc Gasol ended the half with six points, four rebounds and three assists as the Grizzlies shot 47.6% from the field.

Memphis took 18 free throws to the Lakers’ six.

Grizzlies 25 - Lakers 21 (end of first quarter

The Grizzlies dominated the offensive glass, finishing the first quarter with a seven-point lead over the Lakers. Memphis had eight offensive rebounds in the period (16 total) to the Lakers’ three (10 total).

The Lakers were led by Carlos Boozer, who scored eight points on 4-6 shooting. Memphis guard/forward Tony Allen also had eight, hitting four of his five attempts.

Wesley Johnson added five for the Lakers, who shot 47.6% from the field as a team.

he Grizzlies converted 41.7% from the field and 71.4% from the line. The Lakers did not attempt a free throw.

Both teams turned the ball over twice.

Pregame

The Lakers (1-5) hope to start their first winning streak of the season Tuesday night when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies (6-1).

The Grizzlies only score 93.0 points a game, but are extremely tough defensively, allowing just 87.6.

Ryan Kelly is questionable (hamstring). The Lakers will play without Julius Randle (leg), Steve Nash (back) and Nick Young (thumb).

For an in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies.

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