The Memphis Grizzlies smashed the Los Angeles Lakers 100-69 in their final summer league game in Las Vegas.
David Roddy led the Grizzlies with 21 points. Jake LaRavia added 20 points and shot 50% from the field. Kenneth Lofton Jr. had 11 points and six rebounds.
Here are three observations from the game.
Grizzlies dominate early
To start summer league, Grizzlies summer league coach Vitaly Potapenko said the focus was “defense.”
More: Kenneth Lofton Jr. stars but Memphis Grizzlies fall to L.A. Clippers in summer league
The Grizzlies bought into that message against the Lakers, leading 24-9 after a first quarter spurred by a 13-0 run. The dominance was significant considering the Lakers had something to play for, needing to win by 21 points to advance to summer league semifinals, according to the ESPN Broadcast.
Rookie GG Jackson and Lofton set the tone early — combining for 16 of the 24 first-quarter points.
Jackson shot 6-for-9 from the field and nailed three 3-pointers, finishing with 15 points.
Jake LaRavia’s development
LaRavia followed his 22-point performance Wednesday with another solid 20-point performance.
LaRavia showed his athleticism early as he attacked the basket and had an impressive dunk early in the first quarter. He was a big part of the Grizzlies’ fast start, as he had 14 points, shot 6-for-10 from the field and nailed two 3-pointers in the first half.
What’s next for the Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are finished in summer league after failing to advance to the semifinals. That’s not to say they weren’t good, especially in spurts.
Second-year players LaRavia, David Roddy, Lofton Jr. and Vince Williams Jr. got opportunities to shine during the four games in Vegas and three games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lofton Jr. was the most consistent — scoring in double-digit in every game in Vegas.
Jaren Jackson Jr. will compete for USA in the World Cup, which will run from Aug. 25-Sept. 10, according to Sporting News. Besides that, the Grizzlies will return to training camp in September.
Reach sports writer Jerry Jiang at [email protected] or on Twitter @j_jiang30
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies dominate Lakers in final summer league game of 2023