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Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference foes

By Parker Fleming

Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots in the second quarter as Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reaches to keep the ball in bound against Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) reaches to keep the ball in bound against Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Los Angeles Lakers

Overview:

Kobe Bryant has retired. Former Laker Luke Walton is the new head coach. The Los Angeles Lakers have started a new era. After drafting Brandon Ingram, they seem to have their core. Adding a veteran like Luol Deng to guide Ingram can pay off in the long-run. Right now, the Lakers will have growing pains, but a core of Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell is an exciting quartet going forward.

How the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win:

Experience and Bench

The Los Angeles Lakers are a young ball team, with the exception of Luol Deng, Timofey Mozgov and Lou Williams. They will commit rookie mistakes. If the Memphis Grizzlies can capitalize on them, they will breeze through this team.

The Grizzlies bench may be weak; however, big men JaMychal Green and Brandan Wright should toy around with backup bigs Yi Jianlian and Larry Nance. The Lakers backup backcourt is defensive-deprived with Lou Williams and Jose Calderon. Because of this, backup shooting guard Troy Daniels can go absolutely en fuego from three, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to victory.

How the Memphis Grizzlies Could Struggle:

Scoring Explosions

D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram are young, dynamic scorers. In Luke Walton’s offense, they can explode for 25-30 points any night, a piece. If D’Angelo Russell has “ice in his veins” that night, it give the Memphis Grizzlies fits.

Brandon Ingram is as thin as a rail but can score in a variety of ways. If he catches fire, he will be a matchup nightmare for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Projected Record: 23-59

Next: 13. Sacramento Kings

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