Grizzlies Vs. Lakers: Kobe Bryant Frustrated As Memphis Picks Up Big Win

Kobe Bryant Benched By Mike Brown: The Start Of A Lakers Controversy?

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. Mike Brown put Kobe Bryant on the bench midway through the fourth quarter -- while the game was still being decided.

PHOTO: Zach Randolph Greets Bishop Don 'Magic' Juan

Grizzlies Vs. Lakers Final Score: Kobe Bryant Frustrated As Memphis Cruises To Win

The Los Angeles Lakers showed life in the third quarter as they cut the Memphis Grizzlies' halftime lead from 10 to three with 12 minutes left in Sunday night's game, but they were unable to sustain any momentum. The Grizzlies frustrated Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on their way to a 102-96 victory to end a recent losing streak.

The story of the game might be the issues Kobe and head coach Mike Brown had when the latter sat the former in the fourth quarter with the game's outcome still in doubt, but it should be about the Grizzlies. Memphis had a balanced effort as seven players scored in double figures to hand the Lakers just their fourth loss at the Staples Center this season.

Rudy Gay scored a team-high 18 points to help Memphis inch closer to securing a playoff berth, but bench production was key for the Grizzlies as the recently-returned Zach Randolph, along with O.J. Mayo and Hamed Haddadi, scored at least 10 points.

The Lakers struggled to a 10-point deficit in the first half, and despite mounting a third quarter comeback, they were unable to stay hot at Staples. Andrew Bynum scored a game-high 30 points while Kobe Bryant and Ramon Sessions added 18 points apiece, but the remaining starters struggled. Pau Gasol made just four of his 15 shots and Metta World Peace wasn't any better as he made just two of his nine attempts from the field.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Lakers, please head over to Silver Screen and Roll. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver.

VIDEO: Kobe Bryant Shows Age, Defies Defense With His Left Hand

Lakers Vs. Grizzlies: Memphis Out To Double-Digit Halftime Lead

The Memphis Grizzlies probably weren't the favorites during their visit to Sunday night, but Rudy Gay and the rest of his team got off to a solid start against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. The Lakers entered the game with momentum and a two-game winning streak, but it's the Grizzlies who took a 56-46 halftime lead.

Rudy Gay scored 13 points in the first half and Mike Conley added 11 to conclude Memphis's double-digit scorers, but it's Conley's five assists -- and Zach Randolph's six rebounds off the bench -- that helped the Grizzlies to the halftime lead.

On the other end of the spectrum, Kobe Bryant made just two of his seven shot attempts in the first half for the slow-starting Lakers. Andrew Bynum was great with 16 points while Ramon Sessions scored 11 as the team's starting point guard, but Bryant, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace made just five of their 22 attempts from the field as they find themselves behind on the scoreboard.

For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Lakers, please head over to Silver Screen and Roll. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver.

Grizzlies Vs. Lakers: Schedule, TV Info And More

The Memphis Grizzlies could use a win to stay in the playoff picture. They'll try to pick one up on Sunday as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers, who have a phenomenal 20-3 home record.

Enormous Consequences: Can Grizzlies Salvage L.A. Visit?