While they have been without forward Jarred Vanderbilt and big man Christian Wood in each of their games (starting frontcourt players Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura also didn't play on Wednesday), a team never wants to lose because it fell short in the effort category.

With Davis out for the game due to injury, 39-year-old James shouldered the load last night and scored a game-high 39 points to match his age. It was not nearly enough to overcome the young, wily Grizzlies, who cruised to a 131-114 win despite turning the ball over seven more times than Los Angeles.