Iztok Franco: Lakers Game Preview- Game 6https://t.co/LDNhHC1j8i— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 31, 2025
Iztok Franco: Lakers Game Preview- Game 6
by 
October 31, 2025 1 Comment
Reader Interactions
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
After a nail-biting win on Austin Reaves’ game-winner, the Lakers head to Memphis for their first game of the third edition of the Emirates NBA Cup. The Lakers, of course, lifted the inaugural trophy back in 2024, before the Milwaukee Bucks claimed it last season. This year, they’ll compete in West Group B, alongside the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Clippers, and Pelicans.
source: https://www.nba.com/nba-cup/2025/standings
Even more than the Cup excitement, Lakers fans were likely encouraged by Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart being upgraded to questionable on the latest injury report. Even if Dončić doesn’t return tonight, JJ Redick hinted the expectation is for him to be back in the lineup within the next couple of games. Both teams enter at 3–2 and will be missing several players. In their first five games, the Grizzlies beat the struggling Pelicans, a depleted Pacers team, and the Suns, but lost convincingly to the Warriors and Heat.
Given the added NBA Cup stakes, I’ve chosen this matchup as the Game of the Week. Both the preview and post-game observations will be free for everyone to read. For other games, full insights are available to paid subscribers. If you enjoy the coverage, please consider subscribing and supporting the work.
digginbasketball is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Lakers (3-2) @ Grizzlies (3-2) game facts
Rest: LAL on 1 day of rest; MEM on 1 day of rest
LAL vs MEM 2024-25 record: 3-1
LAL injuries: LeBron James (OUT), Gabe Vincent (OUT), Adou Thiero (OUT), Maxi Kleber (OUT), Luka Dončić (questionable), Marcus Smart (questionable)
MEM injuries: Brandon Clarke (OUT), Zach Edey (OUT), Ty Jerome (OUT), Scotty Pippen Jr. (OUT)
LAL projected starting five: Austin Reaves (G), Jake LaRavia (F), Rui Hachimura (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), Deandre Ayton (C)
LAL key reserves: Dalton Knecht, Jaxon Hayes, Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James
MEM projected starting five: Ja Morant (G), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G), Jaylen Wells (F), Jaren Jackson Jr. (F), Jock Landale (C)
MEM key reserves: Cedric Coward, Santi Aldama, John Konchar, Javon Small, Cam Spencer