Ja Morant Ignites Championship Hopes For Troubled Grizzlies, Days After Viral LeBron James Challenge

Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers have been rivals for quite a few years. And it was further intensified after their most recent clash. After 16 lead changes and 11 ties, the Lakers managed to secure a narrow victory, 123-120 over the short-handed Grizzlies, all thanks to LeBron James’ clutch double-pump reverse dunk that sealed the game for the team. It was this same dunk that led to James’ and Ja Morant‘s heated exchange.

The momentum from the dunk carried him near the Grizzlies’ bench, where Ja Morant playfully pushed the gloating superstar. Following this, James jogged back to his side of the court with a wide grin. As he did, Morant could be heard shouting, “Wait until I suit up!” And it looks like G12 is ready to deliver on the promise as soon as next season.

In the Grizzlies’ end-of-season media availability, Ja Morant boldly stated that he believes the Memphis Grizzlies can compete for an NBA title as early as next season. “I think we can do it next season, honestly, God willing, everybody stays healthy.” However, he also mentioned that the possibility of that happening hinges on the health of their players.

Health has been a major concern for the Grizzlies, who ended their season with 13 active players on the injury report, including Ja Morant. Following his return from a 25-game suspension, Morant played only 9 games before suffering a labral tear in his shoulder. Subsequently, he had to undergo a season-ending shoulder injury, but he is expected to return to full health ahead of the 2024–25 season.

The Memphis Grizzlies 2023-24 season was not a total disaster

With a 126-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Memphis Grizzlies put an end to their most disappointing season in recent memory. While injuries derailed this season, the next one holds promise. With the team missing several key players, this season also saw young talents like GG Jackson II and Vince Williams Jr. step up.

GG Jackson II ended his rookie campaign with a career-high 44 points and 12 rebounds to secure his second double-double of the season. At 19 years old, Jackson II became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 44 points in a game. The 2023 second-round pick averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in his rookie campaign. Vince Williams Jr.’s progress this season was also a welcome respite amid an injury-plagued season. The 23-year-old forward went from averaging 2.0 points last season to 10.0 points per game with 33 starts this season.

The season also provided answers for who would take up Tyus Jones’ place as the backup point guard, courtesy of Scotty Pippen Jr.’s emergence after being signed to a two-way contract in January. Pippen Jr. averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 21 games for the Grizzlies this season. And now, with the departure of Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman, all the Grizzlies need to do is find a center to complement their current core, which is ready to compete for a championship when fully healthy.