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LeBron James Makes Scotty Pippen Jr. Statement Before Lakers-Grizzlies

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James spoke on the young Grizzlies guard.

Joey Linn

Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, the Grizzlies guard has been proving that he belongs in the league.

Showing flashes of ability at the G League level and in his limited NBA opportunities, Pippen was converted to a standard contract this season after Derrick Rose retired.

Not given much of an opportunity with the Lakers, Pippen said via Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “I think this game is still personal. I would definitely say it’s a chip on my shoulder going out there trying to prove myself once again.”

That statement from Pippen came prior to the Grizzlies’ first game against Los Angeles this season, and the two teams now face off again on Wednesday night.

Lakers star LeBron James spoke on the Grizzlies guard, saying he knew Pippen would be good.

"Been a pro,” James said of Pippen, per Cole. “He grew up in it. He grew up around it," James said. "He's made a name for himself as well. He's been a pro. I knew it when he was with us and unfortunately, he's not anymore, but I'm happy for him."

Pippen would be a great piece on this Lakers team, but they never gave him much of a shot.

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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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