AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
The Los Angeles Lakers destroyed the Memphis Grizzlies 125-85 on Friday at Crypto.com Arena to polish off their Western Conference first-round playoff series in 6 video games.
The Lakers led 31-20 after one quarter and 59-42 at the half prior to putting this video game away with a 41-point 3rd quarter that made the last 12 minutes totally moot.
D’Angelo Russell placed on a scoring center with 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting (5-of-9 from 3). LeBron James took pleasure in an effective and efficient outing with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, 6 helps and 5 rebounds. Anthony Davis did work all over with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. Austin Reaves did a little of whatever too (11 points, 8 helps, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks).
Memphis could not get anything going, shooting simply 30.2 percent from the field. The Grizzlies made simply 17-of-58 two-pointers. Grizzlies star Ja Morant had an uncharacteristically hard trip, shooting 3-of-16 and ending up with a minus-31.
There’s factor for fans and experts alike to be positive about the Lakers’ champion hopes at this moment after the group squashed the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed to liquidate an outstanding first-round efficiency.
The Lakers have 2 super stars and a group of gamers around them that matches the duo well. If Russell’s shot keeps falling and Reaves keeping being the group’s jack-of-all-trades, then L.A. might win its 2nd champion in 4 years.
Twitter revealed its optimism following the big win.
@Castillo21AC
This the group that wins a title, we shooting on all cylinders and not recalling << a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">> @Lakers< surface strong!!!
Joe Wolfond @joey_doubleyou
yeah with this variation of advertisement the lakers can definitely win the title
Austin @asillydilly
This variation of advertisement might win the Lakers a title or a minimum of get them to the finals
Jason Timpf @_JasonLT
Lakers are undoubtedly in great shape to liquidate the series, however the most motivating part of this is their offense broke out lastly after being stuck in the mud all series.<< br><> < br>> That defense with * this * offense can win the title.
Nick Zablocki @NickZablocki
Time to put my chips on the table, LeBron James and the Lakers are winning the title this year. 23s are at play.
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
There is something unique about this Lakers group.
Odogwu @odogwunwanem
This lakers group is much better than the one that won the champion in 2020.<< a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/playoffnba?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">> #playoffnba< < a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LakeShow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">> #LakeShow< < a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">> #NBA<
A guy has no name @MxC_0722
Lakers protect at a high level and rebound the ball. That’s dish for champion
AREA MONEY @FrobeBryant
This lakers champion run is gon na be legendary
George Coletrain @GeorgeColetrain
i’ve liked this Lakers group given that the trade due date however honestly didn’t see champion level of play … up until tonight. this group, that effort. frightening hours<< br> <> < a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LakeShow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">> #LakeShow< < a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">> #Lakers<
Jerry Hairston, Jr. @TheRealJHair
< a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"> #Lakers are the only < a href=">https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”> #NBA group up until now in postseason that has the>Championship”It “Factor < a href ="https://t.co/qOCWK6XpAS "> pic.twitter.com/qOCWK6XpAS
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
The Lakers will win the 2023 NBA Championship.
Lakers Insiders @LALInsiders
Lakers got these young boys up out of here in 3 damn Quarters. That’s what champion quality groups do. < br > < br > I’m more positive today in the group than I have actually been all season. What an impressive efficiency in the most significant minute of the year.
Jake @KingJakeVII
The Lakers playing champion level basketball. << a href="https://t.co/RIwArRk53n">> pic.twitter.com/RIwArRk53n
The Lakers now wait for the winner of the match in between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. The series is connected at 3 video games each.
Sacramento hosts Golden State at Golden 1 Center for Game 7 on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.