Dillon Brooks has poked the bear. After the Grizzlies defeated the Lakers in Game 2, he talked trash about James, including calling him old and saying he, “doesn’t respect no one until they come and give me 40.” Yesterday, when asked about Brooks’ comments, James basically shut it down and ended his discuss with the press. He’s home. He’s determined. He’s going for at least 30 points.

The Lakers return home after having split the first two games of this series in Memphis. The Grizzlies have crazy home and road splits. They went 35-6 at home during the regular season, but just 16-25 on the road. Regardless if Ja Morant (hand) plays, they will be fighting an uphill battle to come away with a win. I don’t normally like to play the moneyline for this heavy of a favorite, but I’ll take the safer route and just roll with the Lakers to earn a victory, rather than also covering the spread.

The Grizzlies were the Warriors East this season: Great at home and terrible on the road for the most part. That the Lakers are getting the LeBron treatment -- i.e. multiple days off between games so the Lakers can be in the best possible spot for the league's TV partners -- can only help those aged legs of James and Anthony Davis, etc. Will LA cover -4.5? Not sure. Win? Should. I don't think it matters if Ja Morant plays or not, but for this pick would prefer he doesn't. As a fan, I hope he does.