The Memphis Grizzlies are hosting the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday for their first game since firing head coach Taylor Jenkins.
The Grizzlies are likely playing with some extra fuel on Saturday without Jenkins on the sideline, but they get a tough draw having to play against Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and company.
The Lakers sprinted out to an 11-point lead at halftime, as James and Doncic combined for 28 points and 9 assists, and even decided to pay homage to the "Showtime Lakers" late in the second quarter.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77)
Feb 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a play during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
With just 30 seconds left in the half, Doncic sprinted into a fastbreak with James trailing him, swiftly leaving the ball to LeBron with a no-look pass to lead into a slam by the athletic 40-year-old.
The Luka-to-LeBron connection has gone viral on social media.
Via NBA: "LUKA NO-LOOK TO LEBRON ON THE FASTBREAK 🪄
KING JAMES FINISHES WITH THE ONE-HANDED JAM 👑
Lakers put up 72 first-half points!!"
LUKA NO-LOOK TO LEBRON ON THE FASTBREAK 🪄
KING JAMES FINISHES WITH THE ONE-HANDED JAM 👑
Lakers put up 72 first-half points!! pic.twitter.com/eObxui472J
— NBA (@NBA) March 30, 2025
Via Hoop Central: "LUKA - LEBRON CONNECTION
SHOWTIME LAKERS. 🔥🔥🔥"
LUKA - LEBRON CONNECTION
SHOWTIME LAKERS. 🔥🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/8DynDPYHHB
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 30, 2025
Via NBA TV: "A NO-LOOK DROP OFF FROM LUKA TO LEBRON 🤩"
A NO-LOOK DROP OFF FROM LUKA TO LEBRON 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1tFjoFK9SA
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 30, 2025
Via Los Angeles Lakers: "Iconic."
Iconic. pic.twitter.com/bMJkYYQztz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 30, 2025
James and Doncic have been an unbelievable duo this season, and regardless of what the rest of their roster looks like, they should be enough to help the Lakers compete for a championship. Having two players of that caliber on the season team is practically unfair, especially when they are connecting and making plays like this one.
Still, the Grizzlies are trying to take down the Lakers in Memphis despite being out-numbered in superstars.