When the game had reached approximately six minutes, the score on the field was 13-10 with the Lakers leading.
Although Okafor wasn't in his best form, the overall strength of the Lakers still clearly outmatched the Grizzlies.
Furthermore, Mike Brown persisted with the defensive strategy from their last encounter, cutting off Hansen's connection with his teammates.
Kobe's breakthrough caused Speights to commit a defensive foul, earning him two free throws, and the game went into a dead ball situation.
Just then, a short whistle sounded and the camera panned to the technical table where Randolph was adjusting his headband preparing to enter the game.
Loud cheers erupted from the crowd. It was indeed a long-awaited appearance!
Clearly, Randolph's substitution wasn't a decoy, it was genuinely the Grizzlies' intention to let Randolph find his rhythm starting from the bench.
