Ex-Warriors guard hilariously ideates Lakers landing Ja Morant by sacrificing Shannon Sharpe's pass
Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant recently expressed animosity toward the LA Lakers, citing his team's 2023 playoff loss. However, according to three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Morant shouldn't burn any bridges with LA, as the franchise would likely do anything to acquire him.
Following Wednesday's 131-114 home victory over the Lakers, Morant was asked why the matchup gets him going. The two-time All-Star seemingly didn't hold back, touching on his hostility toward the squad that eliminated Memphis from the 2023 postseason's first round in six games.
"I don't like them," Morant said. "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."
However, on Thursday's episode of "Gil's Arena," Arenas comically urged Morant to pump the brakes on his feud with LA. According to the former Golden State Warrior, Morant's high-flying, explosive playstyle would be a welcome addition to the Lakers.
"Ja, man, listen, you don't need to hate us, you know what I mean?" Arenas said. "... LA would love you, man."
Arenas quipped that the organization would likely revoke ESPN's Shannon Sharpe's season tickets to lure him to the City of Angels. On Jan. 20, 2023, Sharpe, an avid Lakers fan, famously engaged in a halftime altercation with Morant, Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks and Morant's father, Tee Morant.
"Listen, listen, whatever you need, we can provide for you," Arenas said. "If Shannon's gotta go, Shannon's gotta go. We can revoke his tickets if you wanna come. It's all I'm saying. Whoever you don't want in the crowd, we will do that for you. So don't just hate the Lakers as hate. You don't like them right now. Just keep your options open is all I'm saying."
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Ja Morant appears content to stay in Memphis long term amid Gilbert Arenas' Lakers speculation
While Gilbert Arenas seemingly views Ja Morant to LA as a legitimate possibility, the Grizzlies star doesn't appear to be headed anywhere.
Ahead of the season, Morant highlighted his contentment with his situation.
"Right now, I'm happy, and that's my main focus," Morant said. "... Right now, I'm probably the happiest I feel like I've been in a while."
Moreover, in 2022, the 2019 No. 2 draft pick signed a five-year, $197.2 million rookie contract extension. Thus, he is locked under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season.
So, barring an unforeseen trade request, Morant likely won't be up for grabs anytime soon.
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