The Lakers were finally able to combine a strong defensive performance with an even above-average offensive performance on Sunday. The result was one of their best wins of the season, beating the Grizzlies, who had won 10 of their last 11 games.

After head coach JJ Redick called the team’s best defensive game of the year on Friday, the Lakers returned home and completely shut down the Grizzlies’ offense. Memphis shot just 39.2% from the field and 32.1% from the 3-point line and turned the ball over 20 times.

The only negative of the night were the 30 free throws that Memphis scored thanks to 27 fouls from the Lakers, which allowed the visitors to stay in the game. Still, the lead didn’t even come close to two possessions in the fourth quarter as the Lakers did enough to deny Memphis at least their best win since the start of the season and perhaps even the season overall.

So, let’s dive into victory. As always, grades are based on each player’s expectations. The grade “B” represents the average performance of that player.

Rui Hachimura

38 minutes, 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 2-5 FG, 0-1 3PT, 4-6 FT, +13

After earning a reputation as a Grizzlies killer, Rui did things differently on Sunday. While it was a pretty tame game offensively, defensively it was perhaps his best game of the year.

Compared to a Grizzlies frontcourt that isn’t quite as quick, Rui was excellent in that regard. He was active – perhaps a bit too many with five fouls – and played an important role in the team’s success defensively.

Grade: B+

LeBron James

34 minutes, 18 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 7-17 FG, 3-6 3PT, 1-4 FT, +0

After eight days off and much of last week spent away from the team, LeBron returned and looked very refreshed at the start of the game. He flew out of the gates at both ends and really set the tone.

After that, he faded into the background and let AD do the work. Nevertheless, he arrived late with a large bucket and also had three supplies that evening. A solid return to court.

Grade: B+

Anthony Davis

33 minutes, 40 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 15-22 FG, 1-4 3PT, 9-12 FT, +14

Welcome back, MVP AD.

Something about playing Memphis and Jaren Jackson Jr. really gets AD going. He was dominant from the start, scoring 40 points despite missing part of the second half with a shoulder bump.

There also couldn’t have been a funnier way to reach 40 points than with the final dunk late.

Grade: A+

Max Christie

29 minutes, 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1-3 FG, 1-2 3PT, 4-4 FT, +7

For the first time in eight games over two weeks, the Lakers each had LeBron, AD, Rui and Austin Reaves available. Since Knecht was weak, the question of who the fifth starter would be was raised before the game.

Redick said he wanted a point attack defender who could also complement the other four offensively, essentially predicting Christie would be the fifth starter.

At least for one night it looked great. Christie had an excellent defensive game, often going against Ja Morant and contributing to his 6-for-21 shooting.

He’s the right mix of the defense that Reddish brought and the offense that Knecht brought… when he plays well. Hopefully this will last longer now.

Grade: A-

Austin Reaves

36 minutes, 19 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 6-15 FG, 2-8 3PT, 5-5 FT, +11

After struggling a bit in his return on Friday, Reaves returned to his old self on Sunday. He scored a little on offense and played like he normally does. His shot didn’t come from long range, but he made four of his seven shots from inside the arc.

Defensively, however, he kept Desmond Bane quiet as he scored just seven points on eight shots.

Grade: A-

D’Angelo Russell

17 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2-7 FG, 2-6 3PT, 1-2 FT, -7

The disruption to the schedule couldn’t have come at a worse time for D’Lo. After looking great against the Blazers, Russell has struggled in the last two games.

He finished the game 4-for-17 from the field, 3-for-13 from beyond the arc and a -15 combined mark against Minnesota and Memphis. Hopefully another week off will get him back to his pre-break form.

Grade: D

Gabe Vincent

14 minutes, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1-3 FG, 1-3 3PT, -3

Once he was in the starting lineup, Vincent looked back to his old, frustrating self. His old mark was an off-balance 3-pointer that he made.

He delivered it defensively, but yes, it’s the same song and dance. He can’t produce at this level and stay in the rotation.

Grade: D-

Dalton Knecht

13 minutes, 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1-2 FT, -2

Knecht is completely beside himself at this point, and his minutes reflect that. On Sunday he played the fewest minutes since the beginning of November.

I’m confident he’ll get there eventually, but until then his minutes will be limited.

Grade: D

Christian Koloko

12 minutes, 1 point, 1-2 FT, -11

Koloko’s first half minutes were good on Sunday. This was not the case in the second half when AD left injured. Memphis’ size really impressed Koloko as Zach Edey imposed his will at the rim.

Grade: D

Cam Reddish

14 minutes, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3-6 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, +8

On the one hand, this was a strong defensive game from Reddish. He scored some points on offense as well as a cutter and even drew a foul on a pull-up jumper.

On the other hand, he had the craziest shot of his time in Los Angeles with a crossover step-back 3-pointer in the first half. If he had been benched at that moment, I wouldn’t have even argued against it.

Grade: C+

JJ Redick

The problems with the starting lineup practically solved themselves. Of course, introducing LeBron helps tremendously, but choosing Christie seemed like the smartest option.

Yet many coaches fail to make smart and easy decisions. Some keep their hands in their pockets and bury Christie on the bench all season. Theoretically.

Grade: B+

DNPs from Sunday: Bronny James, Maxwell Lewis, Quincy Olivari

Inactive on Sunday: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Armel Traore, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.