Due to wear and strain on his ankle, LeBron James was doubtful before to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Friday night game against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, James eventually dressed up and appeared to be his typical self. James finished with 37 points in the Lakers’ 123-120 victory, two of which came in a resounding fashion at the end of the game.

With 10 seconds remaining and the Lakers leading by just three points, 121-118, the Grizzlies possessed the ball and might have tied the game. But James answered that with an emphatic no. With five seconds left, James collected a loose ball and used his trademark reverse jam to push the Lakers’ lead to an unstoppable five points.


James halted for a quick flex in front of the Grizzlies bench, obviously having fun. The Lakers star was then greeted by Ja Morant, who chose to playfully shove James as the King styled in front of them while grinning a little.

Against an extremely thin Grizzlies club, the Lakers would have surely preferred to end the game early. However, there are far worse ways to conclude a game, and it’s entertaining to see LeBron James, at the age of 39, not only go up for an incredible dunk but also engage in this lighthearted banter with Ja Morant, another amazing athlete in his own right.

The Lakers’ battle with the Grizzlies on Friday night was crucial because it at least puts them in a position to get out of the play-in tournament bracket’s 9/10 side. LeBron James played in 41 minutes despite being doubtful coming into the game, and Anthony Davis played in 43 after missing the Lakers’ previous game, demonstrating their clear understanding of the gravity of the issue.

But the Lakers might still find themselves in a situation where they have to win two games in order to qualify as the eighth seed in the playoffs. If LA finishes with the same record as the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, their closest seeding rivals, they drop out due to tie-breaker rules. They had a combined record of 1-7 versus both teams, thus winning the final regular-season game is now imperative.

Unfortunately, the Lakers may feel the heat of the playoffs before the play-in round officially begins on March 22nd, when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans still won’t guarantee a spot in the sixth seed even if the Phoenix Suns triumph on Friday night. In fact, the Suns will temporarily overtake the Pelicans in the standings if they lose to the Warriors since they won the season series.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have to take care of business against the Pelicans, like they did when they crushed them in the in-season tournament semifinals earlier in the season. The Lakers will then be looking for more favorable outcomes.