Watch: Jaren Jackson Jr. completes emphatic dunk over Anthony Davis during LA Lakers vs Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. versus Anthony Davis was arguably the most enticing matchup heading into the game between the LA Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies. Jackson Jr. was expected to have a ton of time guarding Davis without LeBron James being unavailable due to a right foot injury.

“JJJ” was named an All-Star for the first time this season due to his elite defense and solid contribution on offense. He took on the primary job of handling AD, who was snubbed off the elusive team this season.

The two went at each other for most of the night. Their night-long battle was capped off with this:

The Memphis Grizzlies were trying to pull away from the LA Lakers at the start of the fourth quarter. Backup shooting guard John Konchar drove into the teeth of the defense but missed a high-arching floater, probably due to Anthony Davis’ presence.

Jaren Jackson Jr., who arrived just in time when Konchar hoisted the shot, soared high over everyone, including Davis, for a thunderous follow-up dunk. The slam brought the lead to 106-92, the largest lead of the night for the Grizzlies.

To add insult to injury, Davis was hit with an inadvertent “JJJ” elbow as the Grizzlies’ power forward went up emphatically for the dunk.

For most of the night, Anthony Davis, though, had the slight upper hand against Jaren Jackson Jr. The LA Lakers superstar played 36 minutes and finished with 28 points, 19 rebounds, and five blocks.

Jackson Jr., on the other hand, saw action for 32 minutes and finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, and one steal. He helped the Grizzlies to a resounding 121-109 win over the LeBron James-less Lakers.

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Anthony Davis will have to prove he can carry the LA Lakers without LeBron James

LeBron James, unfortunately, injured his right foot against the Dallas Mavericks two nights ago. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks with no specific timetable for his return to basketball.

Anthony Davis, though, has been healthy since returning from a 5 ½-week absence due to a right-stress foot injury. He has missed just one game since he was cleared by the Lakers’ medical staff to play.

AD will have to carry this team without LeBron James. Before Davis’ long layoff, he was playing at the MVP level. Even with James in the lineup, it looked like AD was unquestionably the best player in Darvin Ham’s squad.

Anthony Davis, though, hasn’t regained the form that made him nearly unguardable for nearly a month. More than the numbers, he will have to show that he can lead the LA Lakers to at least punch a play-in ticket.

Already, Anthony Davis has doubters. Shaquille O’Neal claimed that the eight-time All-Star “fell off.” The critics and detractors will only be silenced if he can galvanize the Lakers amid James’ injury and lead them past the regular season.

Davis had scintillating numbers tonight but Jaren Jackson Jr. had the highlight of the night and, more importantly, the win. After the loss, the LA Lakers are in the 12th spot in the Western Conference. AD will be at the forefront of the Lakers’ charge to the postseason or at the center of yet another playoff-less season.