LeBron James Calls Ja Morant 'Spectacular' in Grizzlies' Win vs. Lakers

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 30, 2021

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) embraces Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)

AP Photo/Nikki Boertman

Ja Morant posted 41 points and 10 rebounds en route to leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 104-99 comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Wednesday.

After the game, Lakers forward LeBron James called Morant "spectacular."

The four-time NBA MVP was excellent in his own right with 37 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. James and Morant each had two blocks and two steals as well.

The duo also joined an exclusive list along the way:

NBA @NBA
Ja Morant and LeBron James became the third pair of opponents in <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAHistory?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBAHistory</a> to each put up 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 6+ threes in a game, as Memphis topped LA in a thriller!<a href="https://twitter.com/JaMorant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaMorant</a>: 41 PTS, 10 REB, 6 3PM (career high)<a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingJames</a>: 37 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST, 8 3PM <a href="https://t.co/F36oQmUqP3">pic.twitter.com/F36oQmUqP3</a>

But Morant was sensational down the stretch, scoring 11 points in the final 7:16 of regulation. That scoring spurt included this putback layup off his own miss to increase Memphis' lead to 102-97 with 1:13 remaining:

NBA @NBA
🚨 41 FOR JA! 🚨<br><br>The hustle play gives him a season-high...3-point game with under a minute to play on <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBATV</a>. <a href="https://t.co/2jUrFzCIfm">pic.twitter.com/2jUrFzCIfm</a>

He also hit a three with time winding down in the third quarter to give himself 14 points for the frame and 30 up until that juncture:

Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
COME FOR THE BUCKET. STAY FOR THE GRIDDY 🚨 <br><br>14 in the quarter. another 30 burger for <a href="https://twitter.com/JaMorant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaMorant</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/roHfWCZe7m">pic.twitter.com/roHfWCZe7m</a>

Morant made his first six three-point attempts en route to shooting 6-of-7 from beyond the arc on the night.

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The former Murray State star appears well on his way to his first-ever All-Star Game appearance.

Not only is he averaging career-highs with 24.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, but the 22-14 Grizzlies are safely in the top four of the Western Conference after an excellent start.

Morant and Memphis will look to extend their three-game win streak when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday evening.