Doncic returns after 3-game absence, scores 44 to lead Lakers past Grizzlies 117-112

MEMPHIS Tenn AP Luka Doncic had points rebounds and six assists in his return after a three-game absence and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies - on Friday night in the opening contest of the NBA Cup for each organization Austin Reaves added points for the Lakers and Jake LaRavia scored It was Doncic s th straight games of scoring at least against the Grizzlies Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells scored points each to lead Memphis and Jaren Jackson Jr finished with points Ja Morant was held to eight points going of from the field and seven assists The Lakers continued to play without LeBron James who is dealing with right sciatica But Doncic who missed the last three games with a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion returned to the starting lineup Both teams had essential runs before it settled into a closely played challenge Memphis rally came in the second quarter and the Lakers answered it in the third before pulling away in the fourth The Grizzlies built a double-digit lead in the second quarter while scoring points including a - rally in the closing minutes of the half That gave them a - lead at the break But the Lakers with Doncic controlling the offense sliced away at the Memphis advantage in the second half erasing the deficit in the first seven minutes of the third That led to an exchange of leads as Doncic had in the quarter Entering the fourth there had been lead changes and seven ties Up next Lakers Host Miami on Sunday Grizzlies Visit Toronto on Sunday AP NBA https apnews com hub NBA Source