“I don’t like them” – This is what Ja Morant said after pinning down the LA Lakers in a drama-filled exhibition. The 2x NBA All-Star guard and LeBron James had plenty of one-on-one battles throughout the game. Things got intensely deep with shoving and verbal volleys! While the Memphis Grizzlies star had the last laugh despite King James’ impressive night, Morant expressed a fresh demand, after the tempers had cooled down.

The Grizzlies and Lakers had a brief stint of rivalry in the 2023 playoffs. However, it later went into hibernation when Morant missed most games in the following season with a suspension and shoulder injury. Now, the 25-year-old picked up from where he left. During the post-game interview, when Ja said he doesn’t like the Lakers, he continued, “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.”

Importantly, this statement was enough for the NBA world to debate in the middle of the week. But Ja had other ideas. While the post-game interview targeted the Lakers as a whole, the star guard’s latest demand took the fight directly to LeBron James. Following the game, Morant shared a picture of him from the game on his Instagram stories and wrote, “U gotta want this shii. I want dat torch.”

Even though Ja Morant didn’t mention what ‘torch’ he was referring to, it’s quite obvious. LeBron James is the ultimate torchbearer of the league right now. In popular terms, the 22-season veteran is undeniably the face of the NBA. While the superstar is pushing the 40s, the league’s on the hunt for the next face. And Morant has parked his name next to Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards!

What does LeBron James feel about the revived rivalry?

Last night, LeBron James had a huge burden to carry the Lakers in the absence of in-form Anthony Davis. Without any surprise, the superstar delivered an impressive stat line of 39 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Grizzlies (131-114). Moreover, just like how the reporters swarmed Ja Morant and asked him about the on-court beef, they didn’t leave King James alone.

However, there’s a stark difference between how the duo handled the situation. Of course, Ja Morant reignited the rivalry and increased the anticipation for future games. Meanwhile, James rather had a relaxed response. Almost as if the on-court scuffle didn’t matter to him. He said, “We all grew up playing on a black top, playing outside, and competing at a high level when there’s no cameras around. It’s a bunch of s— talking going on and playing the game. That’s what the essence of the game is all about.” 

Moreover, the Lakers superstar looks far from passing the torch with him still posting 40-pointers. But Ja Morant’s fans are all in, anticipating the moment. A fan summarized the whole event and wrote, “This is what happens when LeBron pokes the bear.” 

Did LeBron James really poke the bear? Is Ja Morant the next face of the league? Let us know in the comments. The Lakers & Grizzlies again lock horns on 13th November, once again in a mid-week clash. So, James & Co. has an opportunity for an immediate payback!