Lakers vs. Grizzlies recap: Lakers can't recover from slow start, drop below .500

After climbing above .500 for the first time this season earlier in the week, the Los Angeles Lakers dropped back below .500 with a 106-98 loss to Memphis.

The loss was the Lakers' second straight and fourth straight on the road. The game did not start out well for Los Angeles as Memphis closed the first quarter on an 18-4 run to take a 34-18 lead. Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 30 points during the second quarter to help claw the Lakers back in the game, but Los Angeles still trailed 56-49 at halftime.

Trailing 82-70 heading into the fourth quarter, Bryant did his best to bring the Lakers back, but his 14 fourth quarter points were not enough. While all five Memphis' starter scored at least 12 points, only Bryant and Metta World Peace were in double figures for the Lakers. Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard combined for 13 points on 5 of 15 shooting.

Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with 21 points while Zach Randolph scored 17 to go along with 12 rebounds. Memphis shot the ball extremely well, making 38 of 75 shots including 6 of 11 three-point attempts. The 6-7 Lakers will get another shot at a road victory on Saturday when they go to Dallas to face the Mavericks.