Ja Morant Debut Playoff Series vs Lakers 2022
A young lion roars as Memphis dismantles the veteran Lakers in a historic playoff debut.
The 2022 Western Conference First Round series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers stands as the defining moment of Ja Morant's transition from rising star to playoff leader. Facing a veteran-led Lakers squad featuring LeBron James, the young Grizzlies core proved their mettle in a hard-fought five-game battle that captivated the NBA world.
- Series Result
- Grizzlies won 4-1
- Key Player
- Ja Morant
- Opponent
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Playoff Round
- Western Conference First Round
- Year
- 2022
Lore & Background
The atmosphere at FedExForum became a cauldron of noise and energy, with fans rallying behind a team that finally seemed destined for greatness. The Grizzlies' defense suffocated the Lakers' offense, while their high-octane transition game left Los Angeles scrambling. This victory was not just about winning games; it was a statement that Memphis had arrived as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
In Their Own Story
The air inside FedExForum hummed with an electric tension as the final seconds ticked down on Game 5. Ja Morant, sweat dripping from his brow, drove past a collapsing defense, absorbing contact before launching a floater that kissed the rim and dropped. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a collective release of years of anticipation. In that moment, the young guard didn't just win a game; he announced to the league that the future belonged to Memphis.
Reader's Guide
The series turned on Memphis's ability to disrupt LeBron James's rhythm without fouling excessively. The Grizzlies utilized their length and athleticism to force turnovers, which fueled their fast break offense led by Morant. A critical turning point was Game 3 in Los Angeles, where the young team refused to fold under pressure in a hostile environment. Morant's aggressive drives drew double teams, creating open looks for shooters like Desmond Bane, who capitalized on the opportunities. Emotionally, this series validated the franchise's rebuild strategy. It transformed the narrative from 'potential' to 'reality,' giving fans a new sense of identity and hope that their team could compete with the league's elite.
Did You Know?
- This was the first playoff series win for the Grizzlies since moving to Memphis in 2001.
- Ja Morant became the youngest player in franchise history to lead his team to a playoff series victory as a starter.
- The Grizzlies held LeBron James below his season average in points per game throughout the entire series.
- Memphis won all four of their home games in this specific first-round matchup.