Young Grizzlies show fight in loss to Lebron and Lakers

The fake crowd noise echoing through Fedexforum during player introductions only reminded that Marc Gasol's return wasn't perfect.

It felt better in the first quarter when the Grizzlies played their video tribute. Gasol and the Lakers stopped to watch during a timeout and then Gasol stood and patted his chest as his teammates and a small crowd of guests applauded.

The Grizzlies then honored Gasol playing the gritty and grinding style he was a part of. They battled for three quarters before the Lakers pulled away for a 108-94 win Sunday night.

It was enough effort to put a scare into the defending champions but the only problem? The Grizzlies' fourth quarter closer was in street clothes while the Lakers' closer – LeBron James – went to work.

James scored 13 of his 22 points in the final frame while Ja Morant could only cheer as he recovers from an ankle sprain.

Kyle Anderson had 18 points and Tyus Jones added 14 points but as the Grizzlies (2-5) wore their throwback jerseys for the first time this season, it was their future serving notice of what's to come.

Desmond Bane continued his strong start with 13 points (3-4 on 3pointers) off the bench and fellow rookie Xavier Tillman had six points in his NBA debut.

Tillman's first basket, a dunk off a feed from Gorgui Dieng, brought the Grizzlies bench to their feet. With Bane and Tillman on the floor, the Grizzlies went on a 17-0 first quarter run.

Their first NBA minutes was a worthy sign validating why the Grizzlies traded up in the draft to get them. Tillman added five rebounds and finished the game 3-for-3 shooting.

Gasol finished with seven points and six rebounds. He hit a turnaround jumper in the first quarter right before the Grizzlies called timeout and their tribute began

But as highlights of Gasol's 11 seasons in Memphis flashed through, the future of the Grizzlies perhaps was a better tribute. Bane and Tillman's play showed the promise of creating more memories with the next generation led by Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

MAX GERSH / THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Lakers' Lebron James (23) looks to move the ball past Grizzlies' Kyle Anderson (1) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at Fedexforum in downtown Memphis.

MAX GERSH / THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL Grizzlies' Gorgui Dieng (14) shoots over Lakers' Kyle Kuzma (0) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at Fedexforum in downtown Memphis.