Morant Sends Strong Message After Grizzlies' Win Over Lakers: 'I Don't Like Them'

Ja Morant made his feelings clear after the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-114 on Wednesday night. The two-time All-Star shared his frustrations with the Lakers, pointing to past playoff losses and a previous defeat on his home court.

"I don't like them," Morant said. "They knocked me out of the playoffs. And then last year we had a game, and they came here and popped it on our home floor when I was in street clothes. I wasn't tonight."

Morant missed the Grizzlies' previous matchup against the Lakers in April due to a season-ending shoulder injury, a game in which Memphis lost 123-120. LeBron James led L.A. with a 37-point performance, including a breakaway dunk to seal the victory. The Lakers also eliminated Memphis in the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs.

The Grizzlies' guard played aggressively in Wednesday's game, especially late in the first half, challenging James and the Lakers on multiple possessions. Both players made the "too small" gesture after scoring, with Morant also receiving a technical foul.

Fun last couple of possessions between Ja Morant and LeBron James

Ja scores and calls Gabe Vincent too small
Next possession LeBron scores on Ja and calls HIM too small
Ja then scores again and bumps LeBron, gets a technical.
LeBron gets a stop right before the half pic.twitter.com/fIVKy4vKQd
— Avery Braxton (@Brax_Avery) November 7, 2024

"I think I did the 'too small' to somebody who was too small," Morant said. "(James) came back and did it respectfully. ... He did it, and I don't back down from nobody. I don't care who you are."

Morant, who scored 20 points in the win, also reflected on his role in setting the tone for Memphis. "My job was to just come back. I got my bucket, and I set the tone. My teammates fed off of it, and you see what happens. Top dog in our league. You take out the top dog, who else you fear?"

Despite leaving the game in the third quarter due to a hamstring injury, Morant's performance helped the Grizzlies secure a dominant win.

LeBron James downplayed the exchange, focusing on the competitive nature of the game. "Just two guys from the inner city who love to compete," James said. "That's how we all grew up, playing on the blacktop, playing outside, competing at a high level when there was no cameras around."

The victory marked a significant statement from Morant and the Grizzlies, showcasing their resilience after past defeats to the Lakers.