Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports When's the past time the Lakers didn't enjoy a must-win game? With the press holding on the every action, it is difficult for coach Mike D'Antoni's team to miss what is at risk of these final weeks. It is not like the Lakers actually need any reminding, however, not with Kobe Bryant on the roster. Their Friday evening clash with the Memphis Grizzlies was not a must-win because of the adversary. That same Grizzlies team had already given the Lakers a pair of losses in their first two conferences. But Utah's win, in conjunction with the fact a success here can carry the energy L.A. Wants after an emotionally arduous season, made this competition the one that the Lakers just had to have. For the 3rd amount of time in as much activities, the Lakers (40-36) emerged victorious. The game did not lack for drama, as Mike Conley got a competitive layup in the final moments that could have knotted the score. But the maximum amount of drama it did not must have as it did either. Bryant missed two jumpers, Steve Blake missed a and Dwight Howard separate a couple of free throws all in the game's final minute. When it mattered most, though, the Lakers made the play they'd to produce. Howard cut off a Conley and forced him to have a look meant to miss before his hands were even left by it. The Grizzlies (51-25) controlled the pace of the sport, holding the Lakers to just 86 items. But D'Antoni's staff showed just a little grit and grind of the own, limiting Memphis to 84. With the gain, L.A. Kept its half-game lead on the Jazz. The Lakers need to show this amount of power over their remaining six games, as the tiebreaker is held by Utah.
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