Rookie sensation hobbles off after a dominant first half, leaving Memphis searching for answers and potentially altering their season trajectory.
The Memphis Grizzlies lost rookie forward Cedric Coward to an apparent left ankle injury during Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, casting a shadow over an otherwise competitive first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Coward was injured with 2:59 remaining in the quarter after his foot came down on a Lakers player while battling for position. He was visibly hobbled as he limped off the floor and headed straight to the locker room. Shortly thereafter, the Grizzlies announced Coward was doubtful to return due to a left ankle injury.
Before exiting, Coward was in the midst of one of his most impressive stretches of the season. He led Memphis with 16 points and nine rebounds in the first half, providing energy on the glass and efficient scoring as the Grizzlies looked to rebound from a recent skid.
Selected by Memphis with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Coward has quickly emerged as one of the league’s most productive rookies. Entering Saturday, he was averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds across 33 appearances, earning a consistent role in the rotation amid injuries and lineup shuffling.
Coward’s absence loomed large in a game that followed a familiar script from two nights earlier, when Los Angeles closed strong to beat Memphis. The Lakers again leaned on their star power, with Luka Dončić scoring 34 points and LeBron James adding 31.
Los Angeles also benefited from a standout performance by Jake LaRavia, who delivered 21 points and nine rebounds in an expanded role against his former team. LaRavia drew the start with Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves sidelined by calf injuries, while Marcus Smart contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Memphis, meanwhile, continues to search for stability during a difficult stretch. The Grizzlies have dropped three straight games, their longest losing streak since mid-November, despite strong individual performances from Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 25 points on 12-of-15 shooting, and Ja Morant, who finished with 16 points and 11 assists.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo highlighted execution late as the difference once again. The Grizzlies’ coach noted that timely shot-making swung the outcome down the stretch.
“They made a couple of shots,” Iisalo said. “There was a huge (3-pointer) from LaRavia at the end of the shot clock, for example. I thought we got some good looks but couldn’t convert in that situation and that, a lot of times, is the difference.”
Memphis now faces added uncertainty as it awaits further evaluation on Coward’s ankle. The Grizzlies return home for a stretch of four consecutive home games and seven of nine overall through Jan. 25, with the health of their rookie standout suddenly a central storyline.