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Ex-Grizzlies Player Urges Ja Morant to Join LeBron James, Lakers

Ja Morant made his feelings on the Los Angeles Lakers very clear.

Joey Linn

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after a technical foul as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the first half at FedExForum.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after a technical foul as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the first half at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant recently made headlines when he said he does not like the Los Angeles Lakers. Defeating them in convincing fashion, Morant scored 20 points in the win over Los Angeles, making his feelings on the Western Conference rival very clear after the game.

"I don't like 'em,” Morant said of the Lakers. “They knocked me out of the playoffs. Then last year we had a game and they came in here popping on our home floor when I was in street clothes. I wasn’t tonight.”

Morant added, “They came and beat us on our home floor. Was laughing, playing, looking at me, talking… This was my first opportunity to get back on the floor, playing against them.” 

Morant’s comments went viral, tallying over 3M views from this post on X. They also caught the attention of former Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas, who urged Morant to join the Lakers during a segment of his Gil’s Arena Show.

“You don’t need to hate us,” Arenas said. “Join us. LA will love you, man. Whatever you need, we can provide for you… So don’t just hate the Lakers… Just keep the options open is all I’m saying.”

Known for often having wild and controversial takes on this show, Arenas certainly drew some strong reactions with this message for Morant.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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