NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ty Jerome, Nets, Cam Thomas, Lakers

Grizzlies

Guard Ty Jerome left the Grizzlies’ preseason finale against the Heat with a right calf injury and will be evaluated further once the team returns home, coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters.

Jerome, who joined Memphis this summer after a breakout season with the Cavaliers, was seen limping to the locker room midway through the game. His status for the opener is uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies remain optimistic about Ja Morant’s return.

Iisalo said Morant “is progressing really well” and participated in Friday’s shootaround, adding that there’s still hope he’ll be available for the season’s opening stretch.

Nets

Cam Thomas is betting on himself — literally. The 23-year-old guard turned down multiple extension offers and will play this season on a one-year qualifying offer, entering unrestricted free agency next summer.

For now, he’s focused on proving he can be more than just a scorer, writes Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

“Teams are going to double me, so that’s going to lead to assists,” Thomas said. “But I’m still a scorer at heart.”

Lewis reports that Thomas shed weight this offseason, has been more active defensively, and looks sharper as a playmaker. His five assists per game through preseason lead the Nets.

Hall of Famer and former Net Vince Carter summed it up well. “This is the big year for him.” Carter told Lewis.

Thomas averaged 22.5 points last season but appeared in just 25 games due to hamstring issues.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez said the focus now is on consistency and attention to detail on both ends of the floor.

Lakers

The Lakers’ preseason finale felt more like a dress rehearsal than a tune-up.

JJ Redick rolled out what looks like his preferred starting lineup — Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Gabe Vincent — and the group delivered a strong first half in a 118-117 loss to the Kings.

Vincent, the surprise starter, shined with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Hachimura, Ayton and Doncic each reached double figures.

“There’s a lot of shooting around Luka and DA,” Redick said, via SB Nation’s Edwin Garcia. “Gabe is another ball handler, another tough defender. I think he fits in well.”

Backup center Jaxson Hayes left with a wrist contusion, but X-rays came back negative.

Despite the narrow defeat, Redick called it a step forward.

“We’re very prepared,” guard Marcus Smart said afterward. “Everybody’s eager to get out there and ready to perform.”

The Lakers open Tuesday night at home against the Warriors.