The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a crucial Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, with a lot on the line for the reigning NBA champions. While they were able to pull off a win in the last game, they will be cautious going forward as three of their five most important ball handlers – including superstar LeBron James – were downgraded ahead of the game (Sports Illustrated Lakers Injury Report). However, James has made it clear that he is prioritizing taking care of his body, sharing his approach to the playoffs physically with games being played every other day (Lakers Nation LeBron James Prioritizing Taking Care Of Body Amidst NBA Playoff Schedule).
Despite this, James was still able to deliver an impressive performance in Game 4, leading the Lakers to victory and even amazing himself with his first 20-20 performance (Lakers Nation Even LeBron James Was Amazed By His First 20-20 Performance In Game 4 Win Against Grizzlies). However, the victory was not without controversy, as Grizzlies players Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant declined to speak to the media following their loss to the Lakers (Lakers Nation Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks & Ja Morant Decline To Speak To Media Following Game 4 Loss).
Looking ahead to the next game, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has warned the team to be careful of “dirty plays” from the Grizzlies (Lakers Nation Rui Hachimura: Lakers Need To Be Careful Of ‘Dirty Plays’ From Grizzlies). The team is preparing with a film breakdown of how to best face their opponents (Lakers Nation Lakers Film Breakdown: Preparing For Pivotal Game 4 Against Grizzlies).
The Lakers will also have the added boost of playing at home, with the game being live-streamed and broadcasted on TV (CBS Sports Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies: How to live stream, TV channel, start time for Tuesday’s NBA game). While the Grizzlies put up a fight in the last game with D’Angelo Russell catching fire in the fourth quarter, the Lakers are confident that they can pull off another win (Lakers Nation Lakers News: Darvin Ham Praises D’Angelo Russell For Catching Fire In Fourth Quarter Of Game 4 Win Over Grizzlies).
Overall, the Lakers are facing a challenging playoff series against the Grizzlies, but they remain determined to defend their championship title.