Lakers top Grizzlies despite Jackson’s reservations

Before Tuesday’s Lakers-Grizzlies match up, Lakers coach Phil Jackson’s superstitions may have been getting the best of him.

“”I’m kind of reserving my optimism until [later],” he said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, published Jan. 9 on its official Web site. “We’ve really not played well here since they’ve opened this building.”

Jackson had right cause. Since the building was built, Memphis’ FedEx Forum has been unlucky for the Lakers, who have a record of 2-6 over the last four seasons playing the Grizzlies at home. The Lakers also have not had their best showing early this season and in last season’s play against substandard teams, according to the Times.

But apparently, Jackson and the Lakers didn’t have much to worry about once the team hit the court. The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 117-101, with key plays from Derek Fisher with 26 points, Kobe Bryant with 25 points and Lamar Odom with ten points and 15 rebounds. Now 13-16 for the season, the Lakers hope to continue on its winning streak but will be put to test tonight as they face off against the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets’s (23-11) have been one of the biggest success stories yet this season, with key players such as  Tyson Chandler, David West, Chris Paul and Peja Stojakovic, according to the Times.

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