Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that Ja Morant, the dynamic point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has issued a statement requesting a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, upon thorough examination of available sources, there appears to be no verifiable evidence supporting this claim.
In fact, Morant has been quite vocal about his disdain for the Lakers. Following a commanding 131-114 victory over Los Angeles on November 7, 2024, Morant didn’t mince words, stating, “I don’t like them. They knocked me out of the playoffs. Then last year we had a game, and they came in here popping on our home floor when I was in street clothes. I wasn’t tonight.”
This animosity stems from past encounters, notably the Lakers eliminating the Grizzlies in the 2023 playoffs and a subsequent game where Morant, sidelined due to injury, observed the Lakers celebrating on Memphis’s home court. These incidents have evidently fueled Morant’s competitive drive against the Lakers.
Adding another layer to this narrative, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas publicly suggested that Morant should consider joining forces with the Lakers. On his “Gil’s Arena” show, Arenas remarked, “You don’t need to hate us. Join us. LA will love you, man. Whatever you need, we can provide for you.” He even humorously offered to address any potential concerns Morant might have, stating, “If Shannon [Sharpe] gotta go, Shannon gotta go; we can revoke his tickets if you want to come.”
Despite such overtures, Morant’s recent comments and actions indicate a deep-seated rivalry rather than any inclination towards joining the Lakers. His on-court demeanor during the November game, including a notable exchange with LeBron James where both players exchanged the “too small” gesture after scoring over each other, underscores the competitive tension between Morant and the Lakers.
In conclusion, while rumors may circulate, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that Ja Morant has requested a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. On the contrary, his recent statements and actions highlight a pronounced rivalry with the team, making such a move highly improbable at this juncture.
