Lakers: "Lakers can cure cancer ATP" - NBA fans erupt over Ja Morant returning from injury to face off against LeBron James & Co.

"Lakers can cure cancer ATP" - NBA fans erupt over Ja Morant returning from injury to face off against LeBron James & Co.

By Ethen Hutton

Modified Mar 30, 2025 10:46 GMT

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies - Source: Imagn

The LA Lakers rebounded with their second win over their last three games on Saturday night, taking down the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis was looking to rebound following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday with the return of superstar point guard, Ja Morant.

Morant was activated for Saturday night's matchup versus LA after missing each of the last six games with a strained hamstring.

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Fans reacted to news of Morant's status in the comments of the X post announcing his return.

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"Not so breaking news anymore," one fan commented. "We all knew this was going to happen."

"I believe the Lakers can cure Stage 4 Cancer (at this point)," another fan added.

"Everyone suits up to play us," a third fan shared.

Fans mentioned opposing stars returning for big games versus LA for much of the season. Others labeled the matchup a 'Game 7' contest.

"He's back for Game 7," one fan joked.

"Every game got to be a Game 7," another fan posted in agreement.

"Ja's Game 7," a third fan commented.

Lakers HC JJ Redick touches on injured players returning versus LA

For much of the season, players have targeted the Lakers matchup to make a return from injury. Out of curiosity, LA's head coach, JJ Redick, sought out the number of players to make their return versus the Lakers this season.

Redick discussed LA's analytic department's findings prior to the team's win over the Grizzlies on Saturday.

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"I think it's like 86 percent of (opposing team's) payroll has been available to (play against us) this year, which is by far No. 1 in the league," Redick pointed out ahead of the game.

Despite Morant's return, LA notched a 134-127 victory over the Grizzlies, fueled by performances from LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Reaves led all scorers with 31 points on 8-of-16 shooting, connecting on five of his eight 3-point attempts.

James and Doncic combined for 54 points, 17 assists and 14 rebounds between the pair, helping lead LA to their 45th win of the season.

About the author

Ethen Hutton is an analyst who works for Sportskeeda, covering College Football, the NFL, the NBA and the WNBA. Ethen graduated high school with academic and athletic honors and is a member of the National High School Honors Society. After a gap year, Ethen jumped into sports writing and has over two years of experience in the field.

Ethen was raised in Ohio and is a Cleveland Cavaliers fan. His favorite all-time player is Pete Maravich as his shooting and ball-handling abilities were way ahead of his time. His favorite player in today’s NBA is Nikola Jokic due to his fascinating skillset as a big man.

Ethen loves the storylines around the NBA and the chaos that the offseason and trade deadlines bring. He enjoys technical deep dives with strong statistical analysis as well as stories where he's able to take a stance as an analyst. He is very prideful in the correctness of his work and will do extensive research to ensure all facts and evidence are 100% accurate.

When not working, Ethen enjoys recording his sports podcast, Wide Right. He is also a very invested fantasy football player.

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Edited by Debasish