After a slow start to the game, Memphis shot 50% from the field through two quarters.  Mike Conley hit seven of 10 shots for 15 points.  Rudy Gay put added 12 points but it seemed like reserve Tony Wroten was the catalyst for the Grizzlies' run.  Wroten finished with nine points on four-of-eight shooting.


The Lakers made 51.5% of their shots from the field, 50% from three-point range (four of eight) and got to the line 17 times, making 12. With numbers like that, it's hard to imagine the Lakers going to the break with a nine-point deficit.  The Lakers turned the ball over 10 times. The Grizzlies had a seven-rebound advantage (22-15).

Kobe Bryant had 16 points on seven-of-nine shooting.  Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace both chipped in nine.

Grizzlies 24, Lakers 23 (end of first quarter)

If the Lakers were concerned about playing against Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, neither of the Memphis Grizzlies' big men made a major impact in the first quarter Wednesday night. In fact both were forced to sit with two fouls about halfway through the quarter with a combined two points.

Instead it was the Memphis bench that gave the Lakers problems with center Darrell Arthur scoring six points in as many minutes and Jerryd Bayless adding five in only three minutes.  Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with seven points as his team hit just 39.1% of its shots from the field with five turnovers.

The Lakers played relatively well defensively to start the game but struggled against the faster Memphis bench.  Kobe Bryant scored 12 points on five-of-six shooting as the Lakers made 47.1% of their attempts from the field.

Dwight Howard had only one point in almost eight minutes of play. The Lakers led by as many as six before giving up the lead.

Pregame

The Lakers (17-24) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (26-14) on Wednesday night, looking to break a six-game road losing streak.

The Grizzlies have one of the best starting lineups in the league.  They don't have tremendous depth, making a trade Tuesday that sent away three role players for Jon Leuer.  It's unclear if Leuer will be cleared to play in time against the Lakers.

Memphis is a strong defensive squad.  The inside tandem of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph can rival the Lakers' Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol.

The Lakers badly need a win but haven't inspired much confidence with their recent play, mostly falling apart defensively near the end of games.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers at Grizzlies.

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