EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 108-94, Sunday in Memphis. Here are three observations from the game:
1. Some Lakers fans were worried when Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard left as free agents.
Not only were they a savvy veteran duo, but they formed the backbone of a solid reserve unit.
Seven games into the new season, the Lakers' backups are scoring with ease, climbing to sixth in the league in bench points before Sunday's game.
Montrezl Harrell led the way Sunday with 16 points and nine rebounds in only 21 minutes. He struggled in the Lakers’ previous game, scoring a mere four points against San Antonio, but made seven of 11 shots against Memphis and was a force on the offensive glass.
Not to be forgotten, Wesley Matthews scored 14 points and made four of six from three-point range.
Kyle Kuzma will also solidify the reserve unit but moved into the starting five Sunday in place of injured Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (sprained ankle). Kumza scored 11 points.
2. Marc Gasol went back to Memphis and got four stitches for his effort.
The former Grizzlies All-Star fell hard in the second quarter and needed medical attention in the locker room after an off-balance collision with Memphis guard Dillon Brooks. Gasol sustained a cut near his left eye.
He hadn’t played in Memphis since being traded from there in 2019. The Grizzlies showed a video tribute early in the game to honor Gasol, who played almost 11 seasons for them.
He finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, and as many assists (4) as stitches Sunday.
3. Anthony Davis made one of eight shots in the first half. The next two quarters were substantially better for him.
He finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds while adding solid defensive numbers (3 steals and 3 blocked shots).
After the game, he credited Gasol for being a good sounding board, a fellow big man who also has championship experience.
In fact, Davis, 27, has shown a willingness to listen in his two seasons with the Lakers. After arriving from New Orleans last season, he willingly learned from LeBron James and transitioned from great player to great championship player.
Now one of the league’s best young players can add Gasol to his ever-growing mentor’s list.