The upcoming Lakers vs Grizzlies clash in Los Angeles is shaping up to be more than a routine NBA regular-season fixture. For the LA Lakers, it represents a moment of reassessment.
With injuries mounting and performances dipping, head coach JJ Redick has confirmed that second-year wing Dalton Knecht will be trusted with regular minutes as the team looks to halt an offensive slide.
For UK basketball fans tracking the Western Conference race, this game offers a clear snapshot of how the Lakers are coping with adversity and how younger players are being asked to shoulder responsibility earlier than expected.
Why are the Lakers reshaping their lineup now?
The Lakers’ rotation changes are driven largely by circumstance rather than long-term planning. Several key contributors are currently unavailable, leaving Redick with limited options and little room for caution.
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura remain sidelined with calf injuries, while Gabe Vincent continues to recover from a lumbar back strain. Rookie Adou Thiero is also out with a knee issue.
Against that backdrop, Knecht’s return to the rotation feels less like a gamble and more like a necessity. Redick made it clear that this opportunity will not be fleeting.
“For probably the next week or so, he’s going to have consistent playing time and consistent opportunities,” the Lakers coach said ahead of the game.
In a league where minutes are often earned in short bursts, that level of trust is significant.
How serious is the Lakers’ attacking decline?
While much of the public criticism has focused on defence, the Lakers’ attacking output has quietly fallen away as well.
Earlier in the season, during October and November, the team ranked among the NBA’s elite attacks, scoring nearly 119 points per 100 possessions.
Lebron James at the end of the 1st Qtr Lakers vs Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/LWkMfDt7Jc
— InfanityTV.com (@InfanityTV) January 3, 2026
By December, that figure had dropped to just over 114, pushing the Lakers down to 18th in the league.
That decline has been most visible from beyond the arc. In December, the Lakers converted just 33.9 per cent of their three-point attempts, placing them among the league’s weaker perimeter shooting teams.
For UK fans more familiar with football statistics, it’s comparable to a side that suddenly can’t convert chances from outside the box.
Is Knecht’s role purely about shooting?
On paper, Knecht’s shooting numbers suggest he could offer a quick fix. He has hit 37.3 per cent of his three-point attempts across his NBA career so far, a respectable figure for a rotation wing.
However, Redick has been keen to play down the idea that Knecht is being drafted back into the side simply to boost scoring.
“He’s not going to be judged on whether he makes or misses shots. When you go through a stretch where your team isn’t playing hard, you’ve got to play the guys that are consistently playing hard,” Redick explained.
It is a philosophy rooted in effort and discipline, qualities that often determine who survives rotation battles once injured players return.
What should fans expect from the Lakers vs Grizzlies matchup?
The lakers vs grizzlies fixture also carries an intriguing subplot involving Christian Koloko, now with Memphis after previously spending two seasons on a two-way deal with the Lakers.
Injuries in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt have opened the door for Koloko, who recently made his first start of his NBA career and has featured regularly over the past week.
Redick spoke positively about the centre’s time in Los Angeles, highlighting his ability to protect the rim and bring energy without overcomplicating his role.
“When he’s able to run and crash without physicality, he can be really impactful,” Redick said.
For viewers in the UK, it adds a layer of familiarity to a matchup already shaped by absences and experimentation.
When could injured Lakers return?
There is cautious optimism around Gabe Vincent, who has not played since mid-December. Redick confirmed that the guard may take part in modified training sessions but will not feature in the immediate rematch against Memphis.
A return early next week, potentially against the New Orleans Pelicans or San Antonio Spurs, remains possible but far from guaranteed.
“We’ve got to get him exposure to live play,” Redick noted, pointing to travel demands as a complicating factor. Until then, players like Knecht will be expected to fill the gap.
Why has effort become the Lakers’ priority?
December was a sobering month for the Lakers, who ranked 29th in the NBA for defensive efficiency.
In response, Redick has shifted his focus toward intensity, energy, and consistency, traits that don’t always show up in box scores but often influence results.
Knecht’s opportunity reflects that thinking. His challenge now is not just to score, but to prove he can be trusted when the roster eventually returns to full strength.
