Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James sent a message to Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant on “X.” LeBron welcomed Morant back to the NBA and told the youngster to “be great again.”
1️⃣2️⃣ welcome back!! Go be GREAT again!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 19, 2023
The Grizzlies have the third-worst record in the Western Conference this season. They are only 6-19. Morant, who averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists last season in 61 games, will have to play at a very high level for the rest of the season for Memphis to climb up the Western Conference standings.
LeBron and the Lakers beat Morant and the Grizzlies in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games. The last time NBA fans saw Morant play was Game 6 in Los Angeles on April 28. Morant had 10 points and six assists in 33 minutes while shooting 3-of-16 from the field, 2-of-7 from beyond the arc and 2-of-4 from the free-throw line.
LeBron is averaging 25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season for the Lakers. The four-time MVP, who is the oldest player in the league, is 12th in the NBA in total points, 15th in points per game, seventh in total assists, eighth in assists per game and eighth in player efficiency rating.
LeBron and the Lakers will take on Morant and the Grizzlies three more times this season. LA beat Memphis on November 14 by a final score of 134-107.