Some spring playoffs in their step

Lakers' two-game sweep of the Grizzlies behind Doncic, James has a postseason feel.

- BY BRODERICK TURNER

LeBRON JAMES, driving on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, was pleased with the Lakers' rally in Sunday's win.

(ETHAN SWOPE Associated Pres)

They met two days prior to Sunday night's encounter at Crypto.com Arena, a two-game set between the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies reminiscent of a playoff series.

The Lakers won the first game Friday night here and knew the Grizzlies were going to bring more intensity and a stronger effort even with star guard Ja Morant (right calf contusion) not playing.

And that was the case, the Lakers falling behind by 16 points in the second quarter, the Grizzlies ramping it up in a big way. But with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Jake LaRavia leading the way, the Lakers pulled out a 120-114 win and improved to 12-0 in clutch games.

"They played exceptional basketball in the first half when we knew we were going to get their best shot, especially after the playoff type of format," said LeBron James, who had 26 points and 10 assists to go along with seven rebounds. "The team always make the adjustments coming to the next game, better prepared. So, I think it's just in the second half, we started to crack the code a little bit. Was able to get the lead down in the third. They kind of broke away a little bit again, but we just kept at it out there and was able to have a great fourth quarter."