SIM SZN: LeBron James records triple-double as Lakers take 3-0 series lead in Memphis

The Los Angeles Lakers are in prime position to move onto the Western Conference Semifinals after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 125-89 at the FedEx Forum on Thursday. With another statement win on Thursday, the Lakers moved up to 3-0 in the series.

The Grizzlies played arguably their most inspired quarter of basketball that they’ve played this series, scoring 20 points on 50% shooting from the field. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t hit a single 3-pointer, which is why they ended the first quarter down by 6 points despite shooting a higher percentage from the field and taking better care of the ball.

That first quarter foreshadowed the type of game the Grizzlies were going to have. Through four quarters, the Grizzlies shot 1-14 from behind the arc. Comparatively, the Lakers made 12 of their 38 3-point attempts, which isn’t great, but it was compared to the Grizzlies’ lowly shooting percentage.

With the Grizzlies clanking just about everything off of the rim, the Lakers were able to get out in transition, where LeBron James was had a field day. In 38 minutes, James tallied 38 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals. When James has a stat line like that, it benefits the whole team.

Anthony Davis was also phenomenal, putting up 31 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in 36 minutes. Add a combined 27 points from Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris, and it was a fun night on the road for the Lakers.

The Lakers will try and complete the series sweep on Saturday. It would be nice for Grizzlies fans to get the chance to see their young team get a win against the No. 1 seed at home, but with the way James and Davis are rolling, they might not even get that.

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