Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson gets under Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks on a drive to the basket during the first half of Wednesday’s game at Staples Center. (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 shoots over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin #1 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson #6 splits Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison #5 and Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks #24 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 is tied up by Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison #5 and Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis III #8 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson gets under Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks on a drive to the basket during the first half of Wednesday’s game at Staples Center. (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson #6 looks to pass the ball while guarded by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyler Ennis #10 drives the lane against Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons #25 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Josh Hart #5 goes to the hoop against Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans #12 and Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks #24 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 drives the lane against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin #1 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Kobi Simmons, left, gets a rebound against Los Angeles Lakers’ Josh Hart during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Deyonta Davis dunks as Los Angeles Lakers’ Larry Nance Jr. watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol, center, puts up a shot past Los Angeles Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, right, and Josh Hart during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans, left, drives past Los Angeles Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans, center, goes up for a basket past Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Clarkson, left, and Kyle Kuzma during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma celebrates after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Julius Randle makes his way down the court after making a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Julius Randle, left, goes up for a dunk against Memphis Grizzlies’ Mario Chalmers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Clarkson, second from right, is defended by Memphis Grizzlies’ Mario Chalmers, left, and Dillon Brooks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Tyler Ennis, left, has his shot blocked by Memphis Grizzlies’ Chandler Parsons during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma, center, high-fives Larry Nance Jr., left, and Jordan Clarkson after making a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton consoles Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 after he received a technical foul in the final seconds of the game. Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson #6 looks back to the floor while Grizzlies gather to shoot free throws. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard Kobi Simmons #2 in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 and Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers #6 get tangled in the second half. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans #12 shoots the ball over Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 in the second half. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball #2 talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. #7 during a time out. Ball is out with a shoulder sprain. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma #0 fouls Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison #5 in the second half. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 gets a hug from the Grizzlies at the end of the game. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons #25 dunks the ball over Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 and a host of Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 and Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bogut #66 battle for the ball in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks to referee Derrick Stafford #9 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 drives around Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis III #8 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin #1 blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma #0 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram #14 is tied up by Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison #5 and Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis III #8 in the first half. The Los Angeles Lakers played the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 12/27/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers' Brandon Ingram, left, passes the ball behind Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope goes up for a dunk past Memphis Grizzlies' Tyreke Evans during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers' Brandon Ingram, center, is held back by coach Luke Walton as he argues his technical foul with referee CJ Washington during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies' Tyreke Evans, front, is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers' Josh Hart during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies' Mario Chalmers, left, drives past Los Angeles Lakers' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers' Jordan Clarkson shoots under pressure from Memphis Grizzlies' Kobi Simmons during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol, center, loses the ball as he is double-teamed by Los Angeles Lakers' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies won 109-99. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Lakers' Lonzo Ball, center, sits on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
LOS ANGELES — At their best, the Lakers are in constant motion. Passing begets more passing and shots are almost always open.
A young team with developing players will stray often from its ideal, but in a 109-99 loss to Memphis on Wednesday, the Lakers were barely recognizable.
“We played a game where it was half-court, and that’s not our game,” forward Brandon Ingram said. “We push the pace and we average a lot of fast-break points in this league.”
It was a loss that underscored the importance of Lonzo Ball.
Ingram scored a team-high 23 points in his first game back after missing the last two with injury, and Kyle Kuzma’s hot streak finally hit a speed bump. But it was Ball, or rather, the rookie’s absence, that might have had the greatest impact on the Lakers (11-22), who lost their fourth straight and their seventh in eight games.
The Lakers had just 14 assists, a season low.
“That’s not how we want to play,” Coach Luke Walton said. “I don’t think that’s all selfishness. I think some of it is … It’s the natural instinct and the competitors, when things get tough, (to think), ‘I need to do more.’”
Ball, who averages 7.1 assists per game, watched from the sideline, out for at least one more game with a sprained shoulder, as the team he has helped become the league’s leader in pace of play scored just nine points in transition.
“I’d say we missed him,” forward Larry Nance Jr. said.
The Lakers have done a good job of overcoming the absences of key players. A week before the debacle against Memphis, they scored an upset win over Houston without Brook Lopez (ankle) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (legal issues).
Ball, however, is the key to the Lakers’ identity.
“This was why, I think, if you asked anyone in our organization all year about Lonzo’s shooting struggles we’d tell you he’ll be fine,” Walton said, “because we know how important he is to us with the way he plays and the way we want to play.”
The Lakers have been able to mask many of their issues this season thanks to the remarkable rookie play of Kyle Kuzma. After averaging 25.4 points in 37 minutes over his previous six games, he was due for an off night.
Against the Grizzlies he scored just nine points while shooting a dreadful 4 for 24 from the field. He made only one of his 11 3-point attempts.
“We would have had a lot more assists if I could have hit some shots,” Kuzma said.
He briefly left the game in the fourth quarter after getting kneed in the leg, but returned after pedaling on the stationary bicycle in the tunnel.
“I’m sure it will be sore when he cools off tonight,” Walton said.
Missing Ball aside, the Lakers proved Wednesday that if there is one team in the NBA they can beat, it’s themselves.
Ingram was impressive in his return, shooting 9 for 20 from the floor, but missed more than half of his free throws, shooting just 5 for 11 from the line, and committed a game-worst five turnovers. Collectively, the Lakers were once again awful from the foul line, making just 21 of 33.
“Individually, we’re shooting hundreds of free throws in practice,” Nance said. “It’s just one of those things that we’re working, we’re drilling it, and it doesn’t get better overnight.”
Perhaps the Grizzlies were able to offer some pointers.
Memphis shot 87.2 percent on an astonishing 39 attempts from the line, with Tyreke Evans making all nine of his attempts in the fourth quarter and 14 of 15 overall. Evans led all scorers with 32 points.
The Lakers and Grizzlies were tied at 76 entering the fourth quarter, but they sent the Grizzlies to the foul line 13 times in the final period. Unlike the Lakers, whose woes from the foul line continued, the Grizzlies made all 13 attempts.
