The Memphis Grizzlies began their NBA Cup campaign with a 117–112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at FedExForum, but the night ended with more questions about the team’s chemistry than its performance. Holding a 14-point halftime lead wasn’t enough for Memphis, as Luka Doncic led a furious Los Angeles comeback with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in his return from injury.

The defeat dropped the Grizzlies to 3–3 in the 2025–26 season. While Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells each added 16 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 15, it was franchise stars Ja Morant’s off-night and his comments afterward that drew the most focus .

Often the energy source for the Memphis offense, Ja Morant looked out of sync and ended the night with one of his most unproductive games i

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