The exchange between LeBron James and Ja Morant had the feel of two boxers trading punches, with a bit of flair thrown in for excitement.
Late in the second quarter of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 131-114 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, the two star players from different eras showed why they are the leaders of their teams.
James spoke highly of the competition between them and what Morant brings to the game.
“The energy alone. The inspiration that he gives to the younger generation alone is huge for our league,” James said about Morant.
Near the end of the first half, the two players went back and forth, scoring baskets and each using the “too small” gesture after scoring. Morant even picked up a technical foul during this exchange as the crowd grew louder with each shot. Lakers fans at FedExForum mixed in with the cheering Grizzlies supporters.
Morant scored a basket and completed a 3-point play with a free throw at 1:24 left in the half. James responded with an 8-foot jumper 20 seconds later.
Then James hit another layup, followed by Morant’s jumper just 7 seconds later. Morant was so fired up after that shot that he earned a technical foul.
“I think I did the ‘too small’ to somebody who was too small,” Morant said. “He 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?”
But James saw the exchange as an example of mutual respect between the two players, both trying their best to outdo each other—a competition that has been going on since they first picked up a basketball.
“Just two guys from the inner city who love to compete,” James said about his battle with Morant. “That’s how we all grew up, playing on the blacktop, playing outside, competing at a high level when there were no cameras around.”
