There is no love lost between the Lakers and the Grizzlies before the matchup

There is no love between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, who face off for the second time this season on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET). ESPN).

The two teams memorably met in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, with the Lakers winning in six games. The series focused on the interactions between LeBron James and then-Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks. However, the bad blood between the Western Conference opponents started earlier.

James and Desmond Bane trash-talked during a game in January 2022, with James yelling at the Memphis guard, “This is the last time you shit on me.” This is the last time you disrespected me.”

It created a viral moment, but more than two years later, any potentially bad story seemed to be in the rearview mirror. At least it seemed that way until last week.

Memphis beat Los Angeles at home, 131-114, and things were easily blown out. Here’s a look back at the bad blood between the two teams from the November 6th clash.

Yes and LeBron exchange gestures

Ja Morant is often in the middle of a fight with the Lakers. Playing his first game against the team since last January, he was prepared to make some noise.

After scoring a goal against Gabe Vincent late in the first half, Morant celebrated the “too small” celebration. One possession later, James responded with his own version of celebration after taking down Morant.

The Grizzlies star recalled the moment he trolled James on X with a GIF that ended with someone flashing an “L.”

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Bane finds a way to attack James

Bane didn’t use the oblique injury that kept him out of the game as an excuse not to take a shot at James.

Former Lakers guard Scotty Pippen Jr. played a key role in Memphis’ victory with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. He also blocked James late in the fourth quarter.

When interviewed by the Grizzlies broadcast after the game, Bane chimed in and referred to Pippen’s defensive play in a petty way.

“See how he snatched the ball from that old man over there? “That old man over there?” Bane said, emphasizing the “old man.”

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Yes remains open after the game

When asked what motivated Morant about this Lakers team, he simply replied, “I don’t like them.” He then explained his reasoning, referencing the 2023 series and a game late last season.

“They knocked me out of the playoffs,” Morant said. “And then last year we had a game and they came here and showed it on our home turf with me in street clothes. That wasn’t me tonight.”

The two-time All-Star expected the Lakers to win 123-120 in the penultimate game of the regular season. After a late steal, James managed a reverse dunk and landed right in front of Morant. The two briefly engaged before James giggled on his way back to the Lakers’ bench.

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James rejects any bad blood

According to the Lakers star, the back and forth between Morant and James was nothing more than the essence of basketball.

He pointed to the “too small” interactions as “two guys from the inner city who like to compete.”

“We all grew up playing on the asphalt, playing outside and competing at a high level when there were no cameras around. It was a bunch of just nonsense and just talking and playing the game,” he said.

With Morant out with an injury against the Lakers this week, it’s unclear how much of a contribution he’ll make to the next chapter of this growing rivalry between the Western Conference foes.