
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) in the second quarter during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) in the second quarter during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
The Lakeshow has taken a promising lead in the series against the Memphis Grizzlies. LeBron James as the leader has turned all the disrespect on him into aggression which was visible today. However, Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks’ unintentional attempt to put an end to it stood as a highlight. Though the 4x champion recovered soon, a jab to his “crown jewels” had led to dramatic scenarios, unfavorable for the Grizzlies.?
Closing out the rivals, James spoke about the violation as he revealed the team’s game plan after he suffered immense pain.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LeBron James talks about the early game ejection
Dropping 25 points and 9 rebounds along with a win, the 38-year-old made sure he gave a reply to Brook’s disrespect. The Los Angels Lakers center Anthony Davis did not do the same mistakes he did in game 2. Short of rebounds in game 2, AD dominated Jaren Jackson Jr. to grab some crucial rebounds as he ended the game with 31 points and 17 boards. However, the Dillon Brooks-LeBron James drama couldn’t catch a break.?

via Reuters
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Apr 19, 2023, Memphis, Tennessee, USA Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks 24 reacts toward Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James 6 during the second half during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis FedExForum Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPetrexThomasx 20230419_jhp_in1_0123 | Courtesy: Reuters
Early in the third quarter, Brook took a shot at James’s groin while attempting a steal. The scoring leader who fell on the ground instantly, couldn’t bare the pain for a while. Anyhow, the foul benefitted the LA unit as the Memphis guard was given a flagrant 2, ultimately getting ejected.?
Dillon Brooks was ejected for this low blow on LeBron James pic.twitter.com/pCXLbCxaW8
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 23, 2023
However, Brooks’ violation did not seem to bother the King. Moments after defeating the Grizzlies, when asked about the ejection, James mentioned,?“Just focusing on the game plan. There was a lot of game to be played when that incident happened.?So just tried to get up, protect my crown jewels, and move on to the next play.”?Further James made sure he credited Ja Morant’s fight till the very end.
LeBron on reacting to the Brooks ejection: “Just focusing on the game plan. There was a lot of game to be played when that incident happened. So just tried to get up, protect my crown jewels, and move on to the next play.” https://t.co/9nWYxYVEsc
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ja Morant’s impact receives praise from LeBron James
Ja Morant made sure he filled in for his teammate’s absence in the second half. With an unrecovered right hand, the young veteran went on to drop a 45-point performance along with 12 rebounds and 9 assists, close to a triple-double. James had nothing but respect for him.?
The 4-time MVP mentioned, “We gotta do a better job on Ja, but Ja… I mean he is an ‘out of this world’ talent.” It’s definitely not easy to stop the 23-year-old’s clutch threes and unstoppable floaters. However, the Lakers got a hold on the other players of the Grizzlies today, which they will look to continue in the upcoming games.?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: “Still pissed off at POTUS Joe Biden and first lady Jill Angel, Reese makes outlandish Obama claims”
Do you think Ja Morant can even the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT