The Lakers needed the help of the young Memphis Grizzlies’ stretch-run mistakes and a tie-breaking 3-point shot by Kobe Bryant in the final minute to avoid an embarrassing three-game losing streak.
The Grizzlies managed to blow a 91-85 lead in the last three-plus minutes, making fundamental mistakes including forgetting to bring a help defender on Bryant in the post at one point. Bryant finished with 34 points on 12-of-23 shooting, continuing to be sharp throughout this struggle of a road trip
Pau Gasol was booed by a significant portion of the fans, although a preplanned video tribute to him by the Grizzlies at the game’s first timeout seemed to encourage his supporters to be more vocal. Gasol again had his game rhythm disrupted by Andrew Bynum falling into foul trouble and needed a personal conference with Phil Jackson with 3:08 to play about getting more involved with what Bryant was doing.
Gasol overall fared well when going head-to-head against younger brother Marc, who had eight points on 2-of-7 shooting and seven rebounds. Pau had 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting with seven rebounds and six assists.
Sasha Vujacic was solid in all 13 minutes he played, and Trevor Ariza saved his contributions for the late going. Memphis rookie O.J. Mayo (USC) had one big 3-pointer late but otherwise faded as the game went on with him going up against Bryant.
