Ja Morant Expresses Frustration With Memphis Grizzlies Coaching Staff After Lakers Loss

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies expressed clear frustration with his team's coaching staff following a 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored a season-low eight points on poor shooting. Morant repeatedly deflected questions about his performance, telling reporters to "go ask the coaching staff" and suggesting that the message from them was to limit his playing time, which has been at a career-low average of 28.5 minutes this season. The new head coach, Tuomas Iisalo, who replaced Taylor Jenkins, did not address Morant's comments in the postgame press conference. Despite the Grizzlies holding a significant lead at halftime, the Lakers, led by Luka Doncic's 44 points, overcame the deficit in the second half. Critics, including former NBA player Blake Griffin, have publicly questioned Morant's leadership and performance given his high salary and role on the team. Morant's strained relationship with the coaching staff highlights a disconnect early in the season, though his overall season scoring average remains solid, and the team is at an even 3-3 start.