Scotty Pippen Jr. is shining for the Memphis Grizzlies. The 23-year-old point guard helped propel the team ahead of the Lakers in Wednesday’s game at FedExForum. After Ja Morant’s hamstring injury, Pippen Jr. stepped up off the bench, quickly reshaping the Grizzlies’ offense. Yet, there was more to this game than met the eye. It was his subtle revenge against the Los Angeles Lakers for not keeping their faith in him.

NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen’s son debuted in the league with the Lakers in 2022. However, the stint didn’t last long and ultimately proved disappointing. Scotty Pippen Jr. played just six games for the Lakers, averaging 2.3 points and shooting 33.3% from the field and three. Now, in the Memphis Grizzlies jersey, Scotty is receiving more minutes and, consequently, a chance to prove himself as a point guard. Recently, he also reached a new milestone in his career with 13 assists in a game. On Wednesday, Scotty made an impact. He finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 26 minutes. This was against his former team, the LA Lakers.

At the end of the game, the Memphis Grizzlies claimed victory over LeBron James & Co. The result? A glorious 131-114, handing LA yet another defeat. Notably, Scotty Pippen Jr. took the spotlight after the game and called out his rivals. He boldly criticized the Lakers to express his disappointment over what had unfolded in the past. Pippen Jr. sent a blunt message to Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka for letting go of an emerging talent like him. “Definitely, they didn’t believe in me. So I’m out here trying my best,” Pippen Jr. said on ESPN when asked about whether he had extra motivation going up against his former team.

The Lakers’ front office surely lost a $1.8 million talent they didn’t let him develop in the short span of one season. But with Memphis, the 23YO has a 4-year, $9.6M contract. And dare we say this: Scotty Pippen Jr. is repaying his value and more to the team. He is emerging as a crucial player for the team, and Rob Pelinka & Co. could’ve utilized him if not removed. Moreover, Pippen’s jab at Purple and Gold executives came days after he criticized ex-Lakers coach Darvin Ham. It looks like some old issues need to be resolved as soon as possible!

Darvin Ham comes under Scotty Pippen Jr.’s criticism radar

Scotty Pippen Jr. has been outstanding this season so far. The Grizzlies rewarded him with a multi-year contract, and he’s showing why. The former Vanderbilt star is averaging 11.7 points per game and also shooting 50% from the field. Indeed, a great sign of his growth! Gone are the days when the guard sat on the bench waiting for his turn. However, with his past in mind, Scotty isn’t hesitating to call out anyone tied to the Lakers, including Darvin Ham.

Coach Ham is assisting Doc Rivers at the Milwaukee Bucks. Last week, the Memphis Grizzlies won 122-99 over them and Scotty Pippen Jr. took his time to call out his ex-coach. On the public platform after the game, he retorted: “One of the coaches over there didn’t believe in me so I definitely wanted to show him I can play some defense.” Maybe the Lakers are now questioning why they quickly removed the guard because Scotty likely deserved another season with LA.

After his brief and disappointing stint with the Lakers, the guard surely had some points to prove. His gameplay against the Lakers felt like a personal achievement. You could see the pride on his face. Pippen Jr. has openly expressed his frustration with the Lakers’ management and coaching staff; he felt they let him go too soon. Now, with more opportunities in Memphis, he’s making the most of them. He’s reminding everyone of the talent the Lakers overlooked.