The Memphis Grizzlies got the best of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. While fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies were led by 27 points and 14 assists from rookie of the year front-runner Ja Morant who helped secure the 105-88 victory. James, meanwhile, finished with 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
After the game, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin caught up with Morant who spoke about how LeBron has been a role model for him during his young career in the NBA.
“That’s big bro — the king,” Morant told ESPN during the postgame interview. “I mean, I feel like everybody knows who he is. Just somebody that I look up to, a great role model. He’s just one of a kind. I don’t think there can be another LeBron.”
James went on to describe Ja as being “super special” and saying that “the sky’s the limit for the kid.” The 20-year-old Morant is averaging 18 points and seven assists this season while shooting 49% from the field. Following a five-game losing streak that was snapped with the win over the Lakers, Memphis is currently 29-31 and occupying the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are 2.5 games behind the Grizzlies for that final postseason bid with just over 20 games remaining. If Memphis is going to hang on and meet the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, Morant will need to continue to be special. In games that the Grizzlies have won this season, Ja is averaging 19 points and eight assists on 52% shooting. When they’ve lost, he’s shooting 45% while averaging 16 and six.
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