Simply put, the Los Angeles Lakers have been slumping as of late. After defeating the Utah Jazz 143-135 on December 18th, the Lakers have gone just 2-4 since then, featuring an average margin of defeat in their losses of 21 points. After looking like legit threats in the Western Conference heading into December, the Lakers have some issues to address.

Before the team can make any trades, they'll match up against the Memphis Grizzlies yet again, after defeating them on Friday, 128-121. However, it took a fourth-quarter rally from the Lakers to pull off the win, so it still remains anyone's game heading into Sunday evening's contest.

For the Lakers on Sunday, they'll be without two of their starters, as Rui Hachimura (calf) and Austin Reaves (calf) are both ruled OUT.

For Hachimura, he's missed the past two contests for Los Angeles, but is on track to return soon. It's been a strong season offensively for Hachimura, who's averaging 12.7 points on 52.1% shooting from the field and 44.5% shooting from three. However, the Lakers will need more than just his scoring if they want to turn things around when he gets back into the lineup.

As for Reaves, he's set to miss his fourth-straight contest, as he played two games after returning from injury and then was ruled out again. With an expected multi-week absence for him, the Lakers will have to adjust to being without Reaves' 26.6 points per game and 50.7% shooting. While Luka Doncic and LeBron James will step up, it can't just be them.

Lastly, both Adou Thiero (MCL) and Gabe Vincent (back) are ruled OUT for Sunday's contest.

The Grizzlies' injury report remains lengthy this season, as the following players have been ruled OUT for Sunday's contest:

Brandon Clarke (calf), Zach Edey (ankle), Ty Jerome (calf), John Konchar (thumb), Jahmai Mashack (two-way), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), and Vince Williams Jr. (tendinitis)

On top of that, four Grizzlies players are listed as QUESTIONABLE, those being Santi Aldama (ankle), Ja Morant (calf), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (two-way), and Javon Small (two-way).

It's been a disaster for the Grizzlies since the firing of Taylor Jenkins last season, but they haven't had much of a chance to prove what they can be this season due to injuries. Sitting at 15-19 to the Lakers' 21-11 record, the Grizzlies will look to avoid a regular season series sweep with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m. EST.