The Lakers are terrible. Until beating the Hornets at home this past Sunday, the Lakers had lost their first five games by an average of 14.8 points. LA ranks last in points allowed per game at 112.7 and is at the bottom in defensive field goal percentage at 48.4. Ball hog Kobe Bryant has the biggest minus ratio in the league.

The Grizzlies were tough on the Lakers even before LA became terrible winning six of the last eight times. The Grizzlies should be in an angry mood after getting nipped at the end by the Bucks, 93-92, this past Saturday night in Milwaukee on a three-point play by Brandon Knight with one second left. That concluded a three-game road swing. Now the Grizzlies are at FedEx Forum where they have won 16 straight times.

Despite that loss to the upstart Bucks, the Grizzlies are tied for the best record in the NBA. Marc Gasol is healthy, unlike last year, and having a big season. Courtney Lee has improved his offense and Mike Conley gives the Grizzlies' a big edge at point guard against struggling Jeremy Lin.

Memphis is traditionally strong defensively and that's the case again this season as the Grizzlies rank No. 1 holding foes to under 88 points a game. That's 24 points fewer per game than the Lakers.

The Lakers got their needed victory. They won't be a match for the aroused Grizzlies.