Blake Griffin called out Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for a lack of effort in Friday night’s 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. “I don’t love what I saw from Ja Morant tonight… that to me is a very bad sign and something that has to change,” Griffin said, via HoopsHype.
The game saw Luka Doncic return from a three-game absence to lead the Lakers with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Austin Reaves added 21 points, while Jake LaRavia contributed 13, helping Los Angeles secure the NBA Cup opener despite missing LeBron James.
Memphis built a double-digit lead in the second quarter, fueled by a 27-4 run late in the half, and entered halftime up 69-55. The Lakers responded in the third, with Doncic scoring 16 points to erase the deficit and force a back-and-forth battle through 14 lead changes and seven ties before the fourth quarter.
Morant struggled offensively, scoring just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting with seven assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 15 points, while Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells added 16 each. Griffin emphasized that Morant’s effort directly impacts Memphis’ potential, saying, “The Grizzlies will only go as far as Ja Morant takes them. When he’s engaged, we’ve seen it; he’s unbelievable.”
The Lakers maintained control without James, relying on Doncic’s leadership to offset the absence of the superstar. Griffin highlighted the importance of effort over talent, referencing past examples from the Miami Heat to illustrate his point about accountability.
The Grizzlies will look to rebound when they visit Toronto on Sunday, while the Lakers host Miami. Griffin’s comments signal scrutiny over Morant’s consistency and focus, especially as Memphis seeks to climb in the early-season standings.
