Lakers hold on to both the win and eighth spot in the West.
Behind Kobe Bryant’s game-high 24 points, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to seal an 86-84 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
With plenty at stake for both ball clubs, the Lakers prevailed at the Staples Center to hold off the Utah Jazz and remain in the final play-off spot with the regular season fast drawing to a conclusion.
The Grizzlies had an opportunity to snatch it at the death, but point guard Mike Conley (21 points) missed a runner at the buzzer which saw LA hold on.
Pau Gasol added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who due to injuries only used two players off the bench as the starting line-up was forced into extended minutes.
However, the two-man bench mob was extremely productive for coach Mike D’Antoni, with Antawn Jamison and Earl Clark combining for 26 points, with 13 apiece.
There is no let-up for the Lakers as they take on rivals the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday as they continue to fight for play-off basketball. As for the Grizzlies, they travel to Sacramento to face the Kings.
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