In a heated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James and Jaren Jackson Jr. found themselves entangled in a controversial moment. With the score tied at 75-75, both players aggressively pursued a loose ball on the floor, resulting in a physical altercation.
A replay of LeBron James and Jaren Jackson Jr. going for the loose ball showed JJJ holding James' arm.
Should LeBron be penalized for the hit to JJJ? 🤔pic.twitter.com/Hroj05Eauh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 6, 2024
As they grappled for possession, Jaren Jackson Jr. was seen holding onto LeBron James’ arm. In the midst of this struggle, LeBron appeared to make contact with Jackson’s face, adding intensity to the already charged atmosphere.
Taylor Jenkins was heated 😳 pic.twitter.com/fSv8guXT8o
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2024
The incident didn’t go unnoticed, especially by Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, who promptly lost his temper. Reacting passionately to what he perceived as a no-call by the officials, Jenkins rushed onto the court to confront them. His frustration escalated to the point where he had to be restrained, and the emotional outburst earned him a technical foul.
This matchup marked the first rematch between the Lakers and the Grizzlies since their intense playoff series last season, which the Lakers ultimately won 4-2. The previous series was characterized by its heated exchanges and contentious moments, and the current game seemed to pick up right where it left off.
The intensity of the game and the controversial incident between LeBron James and Jaren Jackson Jr. are likely to add fuel to the existing rivalry between the two teams. With both squads facing each other in a highly competitive atmosphere, emotions are running high, setting the stage for more drama in the ongoing battle on the basketball court.
The Grizzlies Are Heating Up As The Lakers Struggles Continues
The fortunes of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers have taken contrasting turns in recent weeks, highlighting the impact of key players on their respective teams.
The Grizzlies have experienced a significant uptick in performance since the return of their star player, Ja Morant. With a record of 6-3 in the games following Morant’s return from a 25-game suspension, the Grizzlies have emerged as serious playoff contenders. Morant’s dynamic presence on the court has revitalized the team, propelling them into a competitive position within the standings.
On the other hand, the Lakers, once holding a prominent spot in the Western Conference, are grappling with a concerning slump. Having won only two of their last nine games, the team is facing a challenging period. This downturn comes shortly after the Lakers claimed victory in the In-Season tournament, marking a rapid decline from the 4th spot to the 10th spot in the standings. With a current record of 17-18, the Lakers find themselves just half a game ahead of the 11th-placed Warriors.
The Grizzlies’ surge and the Lakers’ struggles have created a narrowing gap between the two teams in the standings. The Grizzlies, now positioned just 5.5 games behind the Lakers, are closing in on the higher seed. As other formidable teams, such as the Warriors and the Jazz, maintain their competitive performance, the Lakers face the risk of being overtaken if they cannot reverse their recent slide. The coming weeks will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the NBA season.
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