LeBron James after an ELABORATE study prior to the Lakers-Grizzlies face-off, “Obviously I haven’t thought about Memphis one minute”

LeBron James has been to the NBA playoffs more times than he can count. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has 16 postseason appearances under his belt, including four titles and four Finals MVP trophies. He is widely considered one of the best players ever, and a tough challenge for any team.

But James does not seem too bothered by his first-round opponent, the Memphis Grizzlies, who secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference after a remarkable regular season. In fact, he says he has not given them any thought.

James didn’t hesitate to praise the Memphis Grizzlies, his first-round opponent in the Western Conference playoffs. He singled out Ja Morant, the two-time All-Star guard who leads the team with his dynamic playmaking. “He’s the head of the snake,” James said.

He also gave a shout-out to Luke Kennard, the sharpshooter who joined the Grizzlies at the trade deadline and led the league in 3-point percentage (49.4%). James and Kennard share a bond as Ohio natives who both broke the state’s high school scoring record.

But James made it clear that he wasn’t worried about the Grizzlies, who finished second in the West. “I haven’t given them any thought at all,” he said with a smirk.

Also Read: NBA Playoff Predictions: Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett pick ADAMANT claims on season’s ‘dark horse’

Is LeBron James underestimating the Grizzlies?

James’ comment may sound like a joke, but it could also be interpreted as a sign of disrespect or overconfidence. The Grizzlies are not a team to be taken lightly, as they have proven throughout the season and finished with a 51-31 record. They have a balanced and deep roster, with Morant leading the way as one of the most explosive and creative playmakers in the league. They also have Jaren Jackson Jr., a versatile big man who can stretch the floor and protect the rim, Dillon Brooks, a tough and tenacious defender who can score in bunches.

Grizzlies play with grit and grind, a trademark of their franchise that reflects their hard-nosed and physical style. They rank fourth in the league in defensive rating, holding opponents to 107.8 points per 100 possessions. They also rank sixth in offensive rebounding percentage, grabbing 28% of their own misses.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have had an injury-plagued and inconsistent season. They finished with a 43-39 record, barely making it to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime in the play-in tournament. James missed 27 games with a high ankle sprain, while his co-star Anthony Davis missed 36 games with various ailments. The Lakers also had to integrate new pieces such as Andre Drummond, Dennis Schroder, and Montrezl Harrell, who have not always fit well with their system.

The Lakers still have the talent and experience to make another title run, but they will have to overcome some challenges along the way. The Grizzlies are not a pushover, and they will test the Lakers’ defense, depth, and chemistry.

In Case You Missed:

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