Report Card: Lakers Late Rally Not Enough In Memphis

MVP: This is going to be an easy choice and one that will be a reoccurring one, but the answer is Kobe Bryant. With the Lakers trailing by double digits in the 4th quarter, it was predominantly Bryant who hit big shots or made big plays to bring the team back. Add in a few patented jumpers that absolutely should not have went in, and you have a patented Bryant performance in the 4th quarter.

LVP: This is a hard choice. All five starters scored in double digits for the first time this year, and only two other players played at least 20 minutes off the bench. Because of that, I have to go with Ronnie Price. His head could be on the chopping block with the Lakers bringing in Quincy Miller later this week and rookie Jordan Clarkson sitting behind him itching for playing time.

Stat Of The Night: 17. As in the lead the Grizzlies held with 6:00 to go in the fourth quarter at 101-84. Sure, the Lakers went on a 16-2 run to close the game to three points, but that’s as close as they could get. Quite literally, it was too little, too late. The Lakers dug too big of a hold and couldn’t get out of it before the buzzer sounded.