Morant Criticizes Grizzlies Coaches After Lakers Loss

After a 117–112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Ja Morant struggled, shooting 3-of-14 (0-for-6 from three) for eight points and scoring none after halftime. Postgame he repeatedly deflected questions — saying “go ask the coaching staff” and “according to them, probably don’t play me” — suggesting friction with head coach Tuomas Iisalo over rotations and his restricted minutes. Luka Dončić, returning from injury, led a second-half comeback with 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, erasing a 14-point Memphis halftime lead. The exchange drew criticism on social media and from analysts, including Blake Griffin, who flagged Morant’s apparent disengagement on several plays. The Grizzlies fell to 3–3, intensifying questions about Memphis’ crunch-time identity and whether player-coach alignment can be restored to unlock the team’s playoff potential.