Ja Morant Doesn't 'Like' Lakers, Talks Reaction to LeBron James 'Too Small' Video

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant explained his disdain for the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as his exchange with Lakers star LeBron James during the Grizzlies' 131-114 win on Wednesday.

Morant told reporters that his issues with the Lakers date back to L.A. eliminating Memphis in the first round of the playoffs in 2023: "I don't like them. 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."

The two-time All-Star also discussed his back-and-forth with James during the second quarter of Wednesday's game, which saw James hit the "too little" celebration on Morant after scoring a basket on him, only for Morant to respond with a "too little" celebration of his own on a subsequent possession:

"I think I did the 'too small' to somebody who was too small. Came back and did it respectfully. ...He did it, and I don't back down from nobody. I don't care who you are.

"My job was to just come back. I got my bucket, and I set the tone. My teammates fed off of it, and you see what happens. Top dog in our league. You take out the top dog, who else you fear?"

Morant was also hit with a technical foul for bumping James from behind, but Memphis still entered halftime with a six-point lead and went on to win the game in convincing fashion.

Despite playing just 24 minutes, Morant tied for the team lead with 20 points on Wednesday to go along with five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.

Per ESPN, Morant suffered a hamstring injury during the third quarter and did not return, and there was no immediate update on his status after the game.

With Morant leading the way, the Grizzlies made three consecutive playoff appearances from 2021 to 2023, but they won only one playoff series during that stretch.

In 2023, the lower-seeded Lakers eliminated the Grizzlies in the first round, and Memphis has not been back to the postseason since then.

While expectations were high entered the 2023-24 campaign, the Grizz went just 27-55, which was the worst record since the 2017-18 season.

Injuries were primarily to blame, as Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke all missed 40 or more games each.

The Grizzlies have been healthier and playing better basketball so far this season, as they 5-4 start has them ninth in the Western Conference, a half-game of the Lakers, who fell to 4-4 with Wednesday's loss.

It stands to reason that the Grizzlies and Lakers could be battling it out for a playoff spot all season long given how stacked and talented the West is with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns at or near the top.

Morant and the Grizzlies brought the type of energy to the table Wednesday that the team lacked for most of the 2023-24 season, which could be a good sign moving forward.

The Grizzlies made it clear that they aren't afraid to go head-to-head with one of the most iconic franchises and players in NBA history, and that attitude may be precisely what they need to return to contention.