Watch: Ja Morant unexpectedly shoves LeBron James on dead possession after Lakers star's "too small" celebration
LeBron James and Ja Morant had a brief altercation during the second quarter of Wednesday night's LA Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies game, with both teams seeking their fifth win of the season.
With just over a minute remaining in the second quarter, James backed down Morant in the post, powering through him as Morant fell, converting the basket for two points. As Morant stayed down, James hit the "too small" gesture and slapped the court.
Twenty seconds later, Ja Morant sped past Gabe Vincent, outran the Lakers' defenders, and finished with a running floater off the glass. As play stopped, he shoved LeBron James into Jaylen Wells.
Both players were assessed double technical fouls, and the Grizzlies led at halftime, 59-53.
LeBron James has had a tense rivalry with the Grizzlies ever since their playoff clash in 2023. After the Lakers knocked out Ja Morant’s squad in six games, James posted photos on Instagram with the caption:
“If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR 👑”
He also shared Jay-Z’s “Trouble” lyrics on X (formerly Twitter) as a message to the Grizzlies:
The series between the Lakers and Grizzlies was heated, especially with former Memphis player Dillon Brooks claiming he didn’t respect anyone who couldn’t score 40 points on him. The Lakers won Game 6 by 40 points.
Ja Morant responds to LeBron James' historic moment with son Bronny
Despite the tension in tonight’s game, Ja Morant took a moment to express his admiration for LeBron James during his historic achievement with Bronny James.
LeBron James and Bronny made history as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Morant reposted a clip of the moment they checked into the game and added a fire emoji.
Ja Morant is averaging 20.7 points, 9.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Grizzlies, while LeBron James, who will turn 40 next month, is averaging 21.9 ppg, 7.7 apg and 6.9 rpg.