Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups Tonight (Jan. 2) | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Memphis Grizzlies and the LA Lakers square off in a battle between two Western Conference teams at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday. These two teams met earlier in the season in an NBA Cup game, with the Lakers recording a 117-112 victory on the road. The Purple and Gold's win was fueled by a superb 44-point performance by Luka Doncic.

Ja Morant delivered a horrible performance, as he bricked 11 shots from the floor and finished with just eight points. For the Grizzlies to beat the Lakers, Morant needs to play a lot better than he did the last time.

In terms of their positioning in the West, the Lakers are fifth in the standings with a 20-11 record. JJ Redick's team is looking to regain their lot momentum after having lost six of its last 10 games. On the flipside, the Grizzlies are ninth with a 15-18 record.

Here are the starting lineups of both teams.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs. LA Lakers Starting Lineups Tonight (Jan. 2

Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup

Jaylen Wells is dealing with left hamstring soreness, and his final status will determine the Grizzlies' starting lineup. If he is forced to sit out, then Memphis will at least make one change to its starting lineup.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is questionable with right hamstring soreness. He has been playing off the bench for the Grizzlies and is likely to do so if cleared to suit up against the Lakers.

Ja Morant is confirmed to lead the squad, while Cedric Coward and Jaren Jackson Jr. are confirmed starters. The starting center position will either be filled by Santi Aldama or Christian Koloko.

Grizzlies depth chart against the Lakers:

LA Lakers starting lineup

The Lakers' injury report is growing, which is a concerning sign for the franchise. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, who are regular starters for the Lakers, remain sidelined with left calf strain and right calf soreness, respectively. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia will continue to feature in the starting five in Reaves and Hachimura's absence.

Gabe Vincent and Adou Thiero are also ruled out, while Jarred Vanderbilt is listed as questionable. If Vanderbilt is ruled out, the Lakers will be left with a 10-man rotation. The Lakers will need some young players to play a significant role off the bench.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James will share the bulk of the offensive load, but Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht are expected to play crucial minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton is healthy and will start in the center position.

Lakers depth chart against the Grizzlies:

Edited by Atishay Jain