Hachimura on fire in Lakers 128-112 win over Grizzlies

The seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers beat the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies 128-112 on Sunday in the opening game of their playoff series. Memphis had the NBA’s best home record at 35-6 but no longer has home-court advantage against LA.

Lakers made an early statement in the wide-open Western Conference playoffs with Hachimura scoring a playoff career-best 29 points, including 21 in the second half, and LeBron James added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Game 2 is Wednesday at FedExForum, and the Grizzlies have major concerns about star Ja Morant, who aggravated a right hand injury.

More on this topic:

Russell will do whatever it takes for LA Lakers

Austin Reaves added 23 points, including nine straight in the closing minutes as the Lakers pulled away. Anthony Davis had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and D’Angelo Russell, who scored only two points in the Lakers’ play-in win over the Wolves, finished with 19 points.