MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Ja Morant scored 41 points, Desmond Bane added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-99 on Wednesday night.
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 37 points _ a day short of his 38th birthday _ and 13 rebounds and a season-high eight 3-pointers. Russell Westbrook added a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
The Grizzlies improved to 22-14 with their third straight victory, while the Lakers fell to 17-19 with their sixth loss in seven games.
Memphis trailed in the second half until Tyus Jones hit in a floater for a 93-92 lead with 6:50 left. Morant followed with consecutive 3-pointers for a 99-92 advantage with 4:28 to go. Bane sealed the win with two free throws with 5.1 seconds to go
Ahead by six at the half, the Lakers pushed their advantage to 14 at 80-66 during a third quarter in which Los Angeles made six 3-pointers. James had three of those.
The Grizzlies were able to battle back and trim the lead to five at 83-78 at the end of the quarter. Morant made in a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Grizzlies starting forward Dillon Brooks sat out his third straight game because of health and safety protocols.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Ja Morant entered the game third in the league in points in the paint at 14.2 per game. He's behind Nikola Jokic (15.2 ppg) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (15.1 ppg). . . .John Konchar entered the league's health and safety protocols Tuesday after making the first two starts of his career.
Lakers: Interim head coach David Fizdale said Memphis guard Ja Morant has quickly blossomed into an elite player. ``You are talking about one of the best players in this league period. Period. The guy is a true superstar.''. . . Austin Reaves and Kent Bazemore tested out of the NBA's health and safety protocols Wednesday. Reaves missed the previous six games and Bazemore the last five.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Host Portland on Friday night.
Grizzlies: Host San Antonio on Friday night.