Lakers Face Grizzlies in Intriguing NBA Cup Clash at FedExForum
All eyes are turning to Memphis this Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers hit the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies in their NBA Cup opener. It’s a matchup packed with storylines — a rematch between two teams that met in last year’s tournament, though this time the Lakers come in as underdogs. Group play across the league is just getting underway, and this one feels especially unpredictable.
For Los Angeles, there’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty. LeBron James is still sidelined with a lingering sciatica issue, leaving the Lakers to rely on their younger stars and depth. However, there’s some hope that Luka Doncic — who has missed the past three games with finger and leg issues — could make his return. He’s been upgraded to questionable, and if he plays, it could dramatically shift the energy for L.A. His early-season performances were nothing short of electric, and Memphis knows just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, aren’t at full strength either. They’ll be without Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) and rookie big man Zach Edey (ankle). But Ja Morant has quickly reminded everyone that he’s still the engine of this team. In his five starts so far, he’s averaging over 23 points with his trademark explosiveness and attacking style. Just last week, he flirted with a triple-double — 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists — against Phoenix, and earlier in the season he dropped 35 in a win over New Orleans. When Morant is pushing the pace, Memphis looks unstoppable.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to be the Grizzlies’ steady two-way force, adding nearly 18 points a night with his defense and rebounding making a huge impact. He’s shown great consistency even against tough opponents like Miami and the Suns.
On the Lakers’ side, Austin Reaves has been the breakout story of the season so far. With the spotlight on him, he’s responded in superstar fashion — averaging 34 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds. His recent 51-point explosion against Sacramento had everyone talking, and he’s been carrying the offense while the veterans heal up. Rui Hachimura has quietly been reliable too, averaging around 17 points and providing strong secondary scoring when the Lakers need it most.
Adding to the intrigue, Marcus Smart is expected to return for Los Angeles after missing two games with a quadriceps issue. His defensive grit and experience could be vital against Morant and the fast-paced Grizzlies offense.
The game tips off Friday, October 31, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT) from the FedExForum in Memphis. Fans in the U.S. can catch all the action live on Prime Video , and for those facing blackout restrictions, streaming through a VPN service like NordVPN remains an option.
This one feels like it could go either way — a classic battle of speed, skill, and star power. Whether Doncic returns or not, expect fireworks as the Lakers and Grizzlies square off in what’s shaping up to be one of the most entertaining early NBA Cup matchups of the season.
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