Ja Morant Addresses His "I'm Fine In The West" Comments From Earlier In The Year

The Memphis Grizzlies were eliminated from the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers last night. It was a disappointing way to go out for a second-seed team who had their hopes set high. The one thing that stood out was the back-and-forth trash talk that both teams had going, on and off the court. After the loss, star Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was asked about his "I'm fine in the West" comments made earlier in the year.

In a sit down with ESPN's Malika Andrews earlier in the NBA season, Ja Morant was asked about who he was worried about in the Western Conference. Interestingly enough, he answered with, "I'm fine in the West." That came back to haunt him in the first-round matchup with the Lakers where they lost in six games. 

In the post-game conference after being eliminated, Morant was asked about his comments earlier in the year. He sat there and said proudly, "I don't mind, I don't care, I said it, I deal with it." Credit to Morant for not dodging the question, but it was definitely something he knew would be coming his way due to the nature of the comment.

Ja Morant on the “I’m fine in the west comments”:

"I don't mind. I don’t care. I said it. I deal with it."

(via @NBATV)

pic.twitter.com/y32Ut9djDo

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 29, 2023

Additionally, Morant was asked about his leadership in the season and what needs to be improved for next year. He admitted that he has to be better with his "decision-making." He also added that the "off-court issues affected us as an organization pretty much." That is in reference to the video that surfaced of him holding a handgun which he was subsequently suspended for. 

"I've just got to be better with my decision-making. That's pretty much it. Off-the-court issues affected us as an organization pretty much. Just [need] more discipline."

- Ja Morant

(Via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/k5oicdLPRX

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 29, 2023

Despite the loss, the Grizzlies are a young team who saw a few of their players sit out due to injury. Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, two key pieces who held down the front court were shut down for the season due to injury. They could have been a big help in defending Anthony Davis who feasted inside the paint with the lack of length the Grizzlies had. 

Historically, the Lakers are only the 6th seventh-seed team to get past the first round. That happened to be against a depleted Grizzlies team. Nonetheless, Memphis needs to get back on the drawing board and prepare for an interesting off-season where some players might get moved. As for the Lakers, they will be preparing for the winner of the Kings-Warriors series that will be going to game seven.