The Memphis Grizzlies won 131-114 against the Los Angeles Lakers in a game that was marked by the clashes between Ja Morant (20 points in 24 minutes) and LeBron James (39 points, seven rebounds and six assists).

Morant (25 years old) and ‘King’ James (39 years old) challenged each other all night and verbally confronted each other on several occasions in a particular battle of ‘trash-talking’.

The highlight of the tension between the two stars came when LeBron James threw Ja Morant to the ground to score and provoked the Grizzlies player with the “too small” gesture.

Thirty seconds later, Morant, who had previously dedicated another “too small” gesture to Gabe Vincent, scored and ran towards LeBron to crash into him. The referees called a technical.

It’s a bunch of shit-talking and playing. That’s the essence of the game everywhere

LeBron James

“Two urban kids who love to compete. We all grew up playing outdoors and competing at a high level, when there were no cameras around. It’s a bunch of shit, talking and playing. That’s the essence of the game everywhere,” LeBron said after the game.

I don’t like the Lakers. They eliminated me from the playoffs

Ja Morant

For his part, Ja Morant is clear: “I don’t like the Lakers. They eliminated me from the playoffs.”

The rivalry between LeBron James and Ja Morant, who will meet again on November 13, is not new.