Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Takeaways from loss to Memphis Grizzlies

The Lakers don’t need Carmelo Anthony, they need a center.

Joakim Noah was not the only Grizzlies big man who punished the Lakers down low. Jonas Valanciunas scored 20 points corralled 13 rebounds (5 offensive), had a steal and 2 blocks. All of this was done in a very efficient 25 minutes.

Jonas scored down low in the post.

He scored in the pick and roll for easy dunks.

He drew fouls and went to the line…which gave JaVale McGee a ticket to the bench for Tyson Chandler. He did no better

Jonas hit him with fadeaways.

Valanciunas got the Grizzlies off to a good start and gave his team confidence that carried over through to the rest of the game.

With the aforementioned domination of Joakim Noah, it’s obvious that the Lakers are going to have to fill that open roster spot with a center that can play 25-30 minutes a night. This is paramount for the Lakers to have a chance at the playoffs. The Ivica Zubac trade is looking worse and worse with each passing game, as Mike Muscala has not panned out.

None of the Lakers big men have credible post moves to bother anyone and right now it is killing the Lakers. JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler have been exposed in back to back games in two different ways.

Against the Pelicans, the small front line out ran the Lakers big men.

The Grizzlies just played bully ball all night.

There are continuous reports that the Lakers have their eyes on De’Andre Jordan if the New York Knicks decide to buy him out of his contract.

The Lakers have until March 1st for Jordan to be released. If he’s not, a less desirable Zach Randolph has been rumored to the Lakers as well.

Lakers fans, from this moment on, one thing will show if the Lakers are serious about making the playoffs.