A conspiracy theory has floated in NBA circles for years that teams up their intensity (and miraculously get healthy) when the Los Angeles Lakers roll into town. The theory is rooted in the fact that the Purple and Gold play the most nationally televised games and have a perennial spotlight shining upon them.
The theory was tested Saturday when the Lakers visited the Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant (hamstring) had missed the previous six games and was a game-time decision. L.A. head coach JJ Redick declared that he expected Morant to play hours before the game, citing a discovery made by his analytics department.
In the lead-up to the game, Redick said his analytics department had discovered that 86% of opponents’ players have been available to play against Los Angeles this year, which ranks No. 1 in the league.