The Lakers will start their two game road trip in Memphis today when they take on the Grizzlies. Let’s take a look at what the starting line-ups for each team will look like tonight.
Lakers – Grizzlies
PG Derek Fisher – Mike Conley
SG Kobe Bryant – Xavier Henry
SF Ron Artest – Rudy Gay
PF Lamar Odom – Zach Randolph
C Pau Gasol – Marc Gasol
Memphis has only won four of their last 10 games, with one of those wins coming over Miami off of Rudy Gay buzzer beater, over LeBron James. Memphis lost Saturday night in Cleveland, as the Cavaliers were powered by the hands of Mo Williams, who contributed 25 points and 12 assists.
Coach Lionel Hollins has been shuffling the roster around, as he moved rookie guard Xavier Henry into the starting lineup while shifting OJ Mayo, whose production has taken a dip this season, to the bench. Mayo has been averaging career lows this season and his name has been thrown around in some trade talks. “I just want to help my team anyway possible,” Mayo said.
Marc Gasol was simply outplayed by his older brother, Pau Gasol, the last time these two teams met on November 3rd in Los Angeles. However, Zach Randolph will be suited up to play tonight which will lessen the load on Marc to man the paint.
The Lakers have been struggling to get it together finishing games off. They are in middle of their second losing streak this season, after falling to the Jazz in Utah and the up and coming Indiana Pacers in L.A.
Kobe put up a season high of 41 points in the loss against the Pacers. As a Laker fan, you really don’t want to see Kobe throwing up 33 shots in a game in attempt to secure a win for the purple and gold.
Shannon Brown and Pau Gasol both didn’t play up to par in the Lakers loss to Indiana. Both players shot 33% or below; they will each need to step it up tonight, especially Brown, since Memphis had a difficult time guarding the athletic Brown in their last matchup. Matt Barnes pulled down 14 rebounds the last time these two teams met.
Also, Phil Jackson and Ron Artest got into a heated argument after Sunday’s loss. Hopefully, that all turns around if the Lakers come to play as defending champions tonight.
Lakers @ Grizzlies
FedEx Forum, Memphis TN
5:00 PST
TV: KCAL9
Radio: 710/1330 AM ESPN