Stephen A. Smith has unleashed a flared subject?in the aftermath of the 2023 NBA playoffs first-round series. The matchup was?between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies where Smith?blasted?Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. He, however, pointed out their attitude,?which?he regarded?as a lack of respect for Lakers superstar LeBron James. Smith’s sharp remarks shed light on a tense and contentious series in which disrespect seemed to take center stage.

Smith even remembered the times of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant personalities and compared them to Ja Morant. All he wanted to prove from that comparison was the lack of importance players give to their sport nowadays.

Stephen A. Smith points out the difference between the old and new players

The Lakers won this dramatic best-of-seven series, with LeBron James putting on a magnificent show. He averaged 22.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and five assists across six games to close off the first round. However, it was the Grizzlies’ off-court controversy and apparent lack of sportsmanship that left a foul taste in the mouths of many NBA fans and Stephen A. Smith. He even spoke about it on his podcast and called out Ja Morant.

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He said, “When you (Morant) on the bench laughing at the crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, California as the Memphis Grizzlies were down by 40. Getting you a** kicked. See, I remember Jordan walking off the court with his head down. And stories about how he was on the team bus crying and screaming at his dad about how many times we gonna fall. This is just not good. You know tomorrow ain’t guaranteed. I remember when Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal went back to back to back titles. And going for that fourth straight ring when San Antonio finally bounced them out of there, Kobe Bryant was on the bench crying, BECAUSE IT MEANT THAT MUCH”.

The true drama, though, took place on the court, with the Grizzlies demonstrating a level of aggressiveness and violence that Smith, like many other onlookers, thought was excessive.

Smith, known for his impassioned and vocal comments, was furious by the Grizzlies’ lack of sportsmanship. He claimed this apparent disrespect as the reason LeBron James elected to walk off the field without shaking hands with his opponents at the end of the series. Due to this, the ESPN host was not happy with the Grizzlies’ behavior toward a veteran NBA player. However, not only Smith, but even Deion Sanders sent a cryptic message to Morant on social media.

Coach Prime’s emotional message motivates Ja Morant

The Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders posted his daily devotional on social media. However, he had no clue how powerful his comments would be. His message resonated powerfully with Grizzlies player, Ja Morant in a world where optimism and inspiration can make a world of difference.

Sanders highlighted the significance of self-perception, challenging readers to perceive themselves as fearfully and wonderfully formed, conquerors, beings designed to have dominion. He advised them to focus on the positive aspects of their life while filtering out the negative.

Ja Morant, who has been through a lot in the last two years, found peace and motivation in Sanders’ comments. Morant responded to Sanders with thanks, adding that the message had arrived “right on time” and was “much needed”.

Following a 25-game suspension to begin the season because of a series of off-court infractions. Sanders’ message is a light of hope and inspiration, and it might help Morant restore his career and move past his problematic past.

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