April 5, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) controls the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzles put on a defensive clinic against the Jazz Wednesday night to potentially secure a home-court advantage and ultimately gave the Lakers safe passage to the playoffs.
That said, the Lakers-Rockets match up will still carry weight in the playoff picture. As an L.A. win would grant the team the seventh seed in the West and a much friendlier date with the Spurs in the first round.
Heck even if the game had no playoff implications whatsoever, the Lakers still have a lot to prove to themselves with the absence of Kobe Bryant.
Who do you think will step up for the Lakers moving forward?