3 changes Lakers must desperately make to get past Grizzlies

By Jason Reed | Apr 20, 2023

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the first half against David Roddy #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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.at FedExForum on April 19, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) – Lakers /

2. Run the offense more through Austin Reaves, less through Anthony Davis

Austin Reaves had an incredible first game of this series. He scored seven of the Lakers’ first 11 points to start the game and then effectively put the game on ice in the fourth quarter. Reaves showcased on a national stage why Lakers fans are so excited about him.

His Game 2 performance was not as exciting. While he was still efficient on the offense end, he only finished with 12 points and had some poor possessions on the defensive end. Reaves can play far better than he did in Game 2 and the Lakers need to lean into that.

There are two beacons of offense that the Lakers should be revolving around in this series. The team needs to utilize LeBron James as a scoring threat and in tangent with that, needs to run the offense more through Reaves than the team currently is.

This means a dip in production from Anthony Davis. This is not to say that Davis is not going to score. He is still going to get his (hopefully, unless he repeats in Game 2) and he will still be a better option to get the ball in a crunch spot when the team needs a basket.

But throughout the flow of the game the Lakers need to go through Reaves more. This is going to be a tough series for Davis with Jaren Jackson Jr. defending him. Meanwhile, Reaves has showcased a great ability to take Memphis’ wings off the dribble and score at the rim as well as get to the line.

It might not be conventional but if the Grizzlies are going to load up at slowing AD down on offense then the Lakers have to have a counter, especially when LeBron is not on the floor.

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