LeBron James Heaps Praise on Lakers Supporting Cast for Game 1 Win

• The Los Angeles Lakers comfortably won Game 1 of the opening round of the 2022/23 playoffs
• They beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-112, with the supporting cast doing most of the damage
• LeBron James has showered praise on the Lakers' supporting cast for their huge contribution

The Los Angeles Lakers started their 2022/23 playoffs with a bang when they comfortably beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-112 on the road in Game 1.

Their top stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, did okay in the game but it was their supporting cast that did the damage. James praised them for leading the Lakers to victory.

Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves stole the show for the Lakers. They scored a combined 52 points, but Hachimura led all scorers for Los Angeles with 29 points. Reaves scored 23.

James and Davis attempted one shot apiece in the first 11 minutes of the contest. Davis finished 22 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 3 steals. James had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, per CBS Sports.

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James praises 'supporting cast'

After the game, James said the likes of Reaves and Hachimura won the game for them, per ESPN.

"It was our supporting cast that won us the game tonight."

The Lakers trailed by six points at half-time and needed contributions from the rest of their roster. Hachimura made all his four three-pointers in six third-quarter minutes, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter.

The fourth-year forward said he had to make those shots.

"The way they guard me, they're going to be in the paint so I got to be ready to shoot those kind of shots," Hachimura said.

Reaves said he had fun.

"You dream about being on a stage like this," Reaves said. "And I got hot late and I had fun."

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The Lakers face the Grizzlies in Game 2 on April 18.

James eavesdrops on Grizzlies

Sports Brief earlier reported on James eavesdropping on the Grizzlies in a hilarious tactical move.

He was spotted listening in on the huddle between Memphis swingman Dillon Brooks and his coach Taylor Jenkins.

Eavesdropping on the opponent's huddles are common in the NBA and the funny video went viral.