Lakers' LeBron James (23) looks to move the ball past Grizzlies' De'Anthony Melton (0) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. "Like I said when we just played him in LA, Memphis got a great one," James told reporters postgame. Grizzlies' Jonas Valaciunas (17) looks to pass the ball between Lakers defenders to teammate John Konchar (46) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. Lakers' LeBron James (23) flexes at the Grizzlies bench Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. Lakers' LeBron James (23) drives the ball past Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks (24) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. He's got a great mind for the game and his leadership continues to elevate.
Grizzlies' Tyus Jones (21) looks to pass the ball Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. "He's a special individual.
Lakers' Kentavious Calwell-Pope (1) drives the ball past Grizzlies' John Konchar (46) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant goes for broke with this dunk attempt over the towering Anthony Davis, but can't quite make it and picks up a charge instead. Ja Morant dunk on Anthony Davis nearly happens, LeBron reacts … Grizzles' Tyus Jones (21) drives the ball past Lakers' Alex Caruso (4) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. Grizzlies' Ja Morant (12) is called with an offensive foul as he tries to dunk over Lakers' Anthony Davis (3) on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. Ja Morant Tried to End Anthony Davis Career! Lakers' LeBron James (23) warms up Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, before a game against the Grizzlies at FedExForum in downtown Memphis.
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He had 27 points and tied his career-high with 14 assists for his 11th double-double. Grizzlies' Jonas Valanciunas (17) fouls Lakers' Alex Caruso (4) as he goes up at the net Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. I like his game a lot. Lakers' LeBron James (23) warms up Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, before a game against the Grizzlies at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. I don’t know, maybe somebody in the past, but he is very interesting, I really like watching him.”After Los Angeles fell to the Grizzlies 105-88 on Saturday, “I think he would probably try anyone that was there,” Davis said. It was just one of those plays," Morant said.He even gave credit to a fan on Twitter who questioned his fire and missed when he had it in previous games. Ja Morant isn't helping matters. Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks (24) holds up three fingers as John Konchar (46) sinks a three pointer Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game against the Lakers at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. Grizzlies' Jonas Valanciunas (17) holds his hands up after dunking the ball Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, during a game against the Lakers at FedExForum in downtown Memphis. "I was very proud of him because he was also being super aggressive earlier in the game, which I think he's starting to recognize more and more," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.
As the team prepares for at least another week without Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke due to injuries, Morant has to be as much a scorer and shooter as he is a table-setter.But as Saturday night showed, the Grizzlies' 20-year-old point guard is showing he's capable of taking over games and taking names one defender at a time.