The Grizzlies’ recent matchup with the Lakers featured several notable moments. A cold exchange between Ja Morant and LeBron James, a victory for the Grizzlies, and a hard fall that ended Morant’s night. The team later announced that the guard had suffered a hamstring injury which excluded him from their last game’s roster. Now, as the Grizzlies prepare for their next game against the Trail Blazers, everyone is eager to know whether Morant will be joining the squad on their road journey.

The franchise updated its injury report, listing Colin Castleton as questionable due to a left ankle sprain, while Marcus Smart is doubtful with a similar injury to his right ankle. Then came the most awaited update: the Grizzlies will be visiting the Moda Center without Ja Morant, as he remains ruled out. What was initially called a hamstring injury has now been updated as soreness in the right hip after diagnosis, which is preventing him from returning to the floor for the upcoming game.

Morant received the injury during the third quarter of the Lakers game. While going for a lob pass, the 2-time All-Star collided with Christian Koloko in the Purple and Gold, resulting in the former’s hard fall on the floor. Instead of drawing a foul in his favor, the 25-year-old was immediately sidelined. The franchise announced that Morant’s pelvic muscle strains would be observed on a week-to-week basis.

Joining Morant on the list is Desmond Bane, who is dealing with a right oblique strain, and combo forward GG Jackson II, whose fifth metatarsal has been fractured. Cam Spencer too hasn’t yet recovered from his right ankle sprain, while Vince Williams Jr. is sidelined with a tibial stress reaction. The growing injury could be troublesome for the Grizzlies, who are looking for a third win in their current streak in Sunday night’s clash.

The Grizzlies struggled last season in Ja’s absence and his return to rhythm showed his value to the franchise. But at the end of the day, it’s about winning games and chips. And that’s where this Western Conference rival comes in, according to a former NBA star.

Ja Morant advised to leave Grizzlies for Western Conference giants

Ja Morant may be injury-prone, but his talent is undeniable, making him an asset that many NBA teams would love to acquire. Speaking on behalf of the West’s most successful franchise, the Lakers, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas suggested that Morant should keep his doors open to a potential opportunity with the franchise.

After Morant’s remark, “I don’t like them,” following a victory over the Lakers, Arenas attempted to convince the young star to reconsider his stance on the franchise. “You don’t need to hate us,” he said on his Gil’s Arena podcast “LA would love you, man.” Arenas even brought up the bitter incident with Shannon Sharpe from last January, where Morant’s father and the NFL legend had a heated exchange during a Lakers-Grizzlies game, forcing security to intervene. And further claimed that if Morant didn’t want Sharpe’s presence then even his ticket would be revoked.

“So don’t just hate the Lakers as hate. You don’t like them right now. Just keep the options open,” Agent Zero added. Not sure, how much the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka will approve of Arenas’ efforts but after witnessing Morant’s dislike toward the franchise, it doesn’t seem like he will suit up in the Purple and Gold.