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3 reasons why the Lakers will upset the Grizzlies in the NBA Playoffs

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during a 122-121 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on January 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during a 122-121 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on January 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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Ja Morant Grizzlies
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) – Ja Morant Grizzlies /

2. The Grizzlies offense is not built to overcome the Lakers

On paper, the Memphis Grizzlies seem to have an offense that is good enough to get by with Ja Morant leading the way. Memphis finished ninth in points per game and 14th in offensive rating. It might not be elite, but coupled with good defense, it was more than enough to win regular-season games.

That being said, there is one area of the game that the Grizzlies do not excel in: three-point shooting. In fact, Memphis is very similar to the Lakers as they finished the season with a 35.1% three-point field goal percentage. The Lakers finished two spots behind at 34.6%.

While Memphis is the better three-point shooting team, the Lakers have had a lot of success this season against teams that are unable to shoot the three well. It has been the teams that are successful from beyond the arc that have given the Lakers problems.

The Lakers were 15-5 against teams that shot 35.1% from three or worse this season. Against teams in the bottom half of the league (36.1% or worse), the Lakers were a combined 25-10. The team did not lose a single season series against any of these teams.

Memphis does have Luke Kennard, who the team traded for at the deadline and has been lights out for them, but the Lakers did do a good job of holding him at bay in the two regular-season matchups against him. Based on this trend, Lakers fans should be hopeful.

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