Clarke returns but James triples up in Lakers win over Grizzlies

MEMPHIS — A long awaited return, ruined by the legend that is LeBron James.

James had a triple double, by the third quarter, finishing with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers won their fifth straight game, 136-124 over the Grizzlies. A game that marked the return of Brandon Clarke.

Clarke had been sidelined for over a year, tearing his achilles on March 3rd of 2023.

After waiting for almost 400 days, Clarke made his debut and scored six points to go along with five rebounds in 21 minutes.

“It feels good. I mean, I’m glad to get the first game out the way. I’ve been thinking about it for like a very long time. I wish that we could have won tonight, obviously, but it was fun to play again. Straight up,” Clarke said. “I think it was during the anthem. I almost teared up. Like, I was like, Oh, we’re here, actually. I finally made it.”

The Lakers building a 27-point lead thanks to 32 points from Rui Hachimura. But the Grizzlies closed the third quarter on a 15-0 run, getting as close as seven before L.A. pulled away on what turned out to be career nights for both Desmond Bane and Jake Laravia.

Bane had a career best 16 assists to go along with team high 26 points.

Laravia set a new career high with 25 points, going 7-9 from behind the three-point line.

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