"Ja Morant is going to wreak havoc" - Stephen A. Smith factors JJ Redick's role in choosing Lakers over Grizzlies
Stephen A. Smith believes that the Los Angeles Lakers are still better than the Memphis Grizzlies this season.
"First Take" stepped away from their studio and did a live show at Tennesse State University on Friday (Oct. 11). During their show there, Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe hosted a live Q&A portion with TSU's students.
During that session, one student said that the Grizzlies are a bigger threat in the West than the Lakers. The student then asked Stephen A. his opinion regarding this take.
The "First Take" host disagreed with the student, naming three reasons why that wouldn't be the case.
"I will say no, they are not a bigger threat than the Los Angeles Lakers," Stephen A. said. "I think LeBron is gonna continue to do his thing, I think Anthony Davis is gonna continue to do his thing. I think JJ Redick is gonna surprise a lot of people with how exceptional he's gonna do as a coach."
While he doesn't view the Grizzlies as a bigger threat, Stephen A. admitted that one Memphis player is going to put the league on notice again.
"Ja Morant is going to wreak havoc," Stephen A. added. "I mean this brother is going to come back on the scene this year. He's going to do some major, major damage. He's going to hurt a lot of people in the league, reminding everybody just who the hell he is."
Ja Morant was limited to only nine games last season. He started the 2023-24 campaign serving a 25-game suspension before making his season debut. He suited up in nine of the Grizzlies' ten games from Dec. 19 to Jan. 5.
His season was cut short by a torn labrum on his right shoulder that required surgery.
Alsor read: LeBron James' friend hilariously trolls Darvin Ham and Doc Rivers after Lakers' win over Bucks - "Dumb & Dumber"
The Memphis Grizzlies were only able to beat the Lakers once last season
The Grizzlies and the Lakers played a four-game season series last campaign. In those four games, LA established dominance by winning all but one game. The one game they lost was on Jan. 5, which coincidentally, was the only time Ja Morant suited up against them in 2023-24.
In that game, Morant registered 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. He also finished the game with a steal and a block. His contributions led to the Grizzlies winning by 14 points (127-113).
After that game, Morant reportedly got hurt during a team practice which led to him missing the rest of the season.
Morant is a crucial piece of the puzzle if the Grizzlies hope to overcome the Lakers, or any team in the West for that matter.
His athleticism, playmaking, and elite scoring skills make him one of the league's most exciting talents. However, he needs to be healthy in order to be impactful.