Luka Dončić scored 36 points as the Los Angeles Lakers came back to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 120 to 114 on January 4, 2026. Memphis led by 11 at halftime and by as many as 16 during the game. Los Angeles stayed close, moved ahead late in the fourth quarter and finished with a six point win.
Luka’s total has a strikingly simple breakdown: 12 points from two point baskets, 12 from three pointers and 12 from free throws. His nine rebounds and eight assists made the performance about more than scoring. The figures in this article come from the NBA’s official game report.
Final Score and Leading Players
Final score: Lakers 120, Grizzlies 114
Leading scorer: Luka Dončić, 36 points
Memphis leading scorer: Jaylen Wells, 23 points
Most assists: LeBron James, 10
Most rebounds: Jock Landale and Santi Aldama, 10 each
Memphis scored 34 points in the first quarter and another 31 in the second, taking a 65 to 54 halftime lead. The Lakers reduced the deficit to four by the end of the third quarter, then outscored the Grizzlies 37 to 27 in the fourth.
How Luka Dončić Scored 36 Points
Dončić made 10 of 20 field goal attempts. Four of those makes came from beyond the arc, where he shot four of 10. His other six baskets were worth two points each. At the foul line, he made 12 of 13 free throws.
That gives his scoring an exact split. Six two point baskets produced 12 points. Four three pointers produced another 12. His 12 made free throws completed the total of 36.
The mix mattered because he did not have to rely on one type of shot all night. When outside attempts were not falling, he could still score closer to the basket or at the line. When Memphis later needed stops, his three point shooting became decisive.
Dončić played just under 39 minutes. He also collected nine rebounds, delivered eight assists and committed three turnovers. Those eight assists helped create scoring chances for teammates while Memphis focused attention on him.
His free throws were especially valuable in a game decided by six points. The Lakers made 33 free throws as a team, compared with 20 for Memphis. Dončić accounted for 12 of Los Angeles’ makes. The difference at the line helped the Lakers overcome stretches when the Grizzlies generated more shots.
The Fourth Quarter Turning Point
The Lakers entered the final period trailing 87 to 83. Both teams exchanged leads as the game tightened. With 5:12 left, Dončić made a pullup jumper that put Los Angeles ahead 100 to 99. The Lakers did not give up the lead again.
His biggest outside shots arrived a few minutes later. Dončić hit a three pointer with 2:35 remaining, then another with 2:08 left. The second extended the Lakers’ lead to 112 to 103. Memphis answered with a three, but the cushion gave Los Angeles room to manage the final possessions.
That closing sequence explains why the 36 points felt larger than a box score total. Dončić had scored throughout the game, but he also supplied the shot that gave the Lakers their lasting lead and two late threes that made a comeback harder for Memphis.
Lakers Player Stats Beyond Luka
LeBron James scored 26 points and led the game with 10 assists. He added seven rebounds. His passing and scoring gave Los Angeles another option when Dončić faced pressure, and he helped the Lakers respond to Memphis’ strong first half.
Jake LaRavia also scored 26 points, making nine of 16 field goals and four of 10 three point attempts. He added five rebounds and four assists. Having three players score at least 26 points prevented the Lakers’ offense from depending entirely on Dončić.
Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. He made six of eight field goal attempts. Jarred Vanderbilt added seven points and seven rebounds, while Marcus Smart recorded six points and four assists.
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura did not play. Their absences make LaRavia’s 26 points particularly notable: Los Angeles needed substantial production from the players available around its two leading scorers.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Stats
Jaylen Wells led Memphis with 23 points on eight of 16 shooting. He also made three three pointers. Cedric Coward scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds in just over 12 minutes.
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 14 points. Landale had 13 points and 10 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds. Aldama supplied 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, giving Memphis production in several areas. Cam Spencer had only five points but contributed nine assists.
Ja Morant did not play. Even without him, the Grizzlies built a sizable lead and stayed competitive until the closing minutes. Their work on the offensive glass was a major reason: Memphis recorded 16 offensive rebounds, compared with eight for the Lakers.
Why Did the Lakers Win?
Memphis took 100 field goal attempts to the Lakers’ 80, yet Los Angeles shot more accurately. The Lakers made 47.5 percent of their field goals, while the Grizzlies made 42 percent. Memphis also struggled from deep, making 10 of 41 three point attempts.
Free throws created the clearest scoring difference. Los Angeles made 33 of 41 attempts; Memphis made 20 of 22. The Lakers’ 13 additional made free throws more than covered the final six point margin.
The finish mattered just as much as the totals. Memphis controlled much of the first half, but Los Angeles scored 37 points in the fourth quarter. Dončić’s late jumper and consecutive threes turned a close game into a lead the Lakers could protect.
What Stands Out From Luka’s Performance?
His 36 points were not the product of a single hot shooting zone. Dončić scored evenly from inside the arc, beyond it and at the free throw line. He nearly reached a triple double, and he made the most important shots during the Lakers’ comeback.
Memphis had strong performances from Wells, Landale and Aldama, but Los Angeles paired Dončić’s closing offense with 26 points each from James and LaRavia. That balance helped the Lakers complete the rally.
FAQs
When did Luka Dončić score 36 against Memphis?
He scored 36 points on January 4, 2026, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies 120 to 114.
How many three pointers did Luka make?
He made four of 10 three point attempts, worth 12 of his 36 points.
How many free throws did Luka make?
Dončić made 12 of 13 free throws.
Who led Memphis in scoring?
Jaylen Wells led the Grizzlies with 23 points.