‘Not here for the bulls--t’: LeBron James ready for action in Lakers’ game three clash the Grizzlies

The Grizzlies started the trash talk to try and get a response from superstar LeBron James. The King’s response said everything.

Michael Randall

@MickRandallHS

2 min read

April 22, 2023 - 7:02PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

LeBron James is ready for a big game three against Grizzlies. Picture:Justin Ford/Getty Images

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LeBron James might not be “here for the bulls--t” but every basketball fan is salivating over Sunday’s NBA playoffs first round game three clash between The King’s LA Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Noted Memphis mouthpiece Dillon Brooks set up a massive clash when he dismissed the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, 38, as “old” saying “I poke bears”, following an on-court confrontation during Thursday’s game two of the best-of-seven Western Conference series.

But James wouldn’t let himself be drawn into an off-court war of words.

“The game is won in between the four lines, always has, always will be,” James said.

“I don’t want to talk much more.

“I’m not here for the bulls--t. I’m ready to play.”

Brooks, who had 12 points in 23 minutes before fouling out of the Grizzlies game two square up, said “I don’t respect anyone until they come and give me 40”.

James wants his basketball to do the talking. Picture: Justin Ford/Getty Images

The stats show of 13 games against Brooks, James’ side has won 10 of them, although LeBron’s best scoring effort is 34.

The internet’s a wonderful place, with some theorising Brooks’ attempt to get under James’ often-thin skin was actually a bid to goad the four-time champion to playing selfishly and chase a 40-piece.

The Grizzlies triumphed in game two without star Ja Morant, who is nursing a hand injury and, while he is no certainty to play, coach Taylor Jenkins said he was improving and would make a call closer to tip-off.

Injuries have also struck Philadelphia MVP candidate Joel Embiid, who has been ruled out as the 76ers aim to sweep Brooklyn, 4-0. Embiid, who went viral for spending more time during game three flopping to the deck than staying on his feet, has a right knee sprain.

Fragile LA Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is also out — for the second straight game — with the same injury.

In Saturday’s NBA action, Atlanta rode a franchise playoff record-equalling 74-point first half to take game three of the first-round series against Boston. Down 2-0 in the series, Hawks’ star Trae Young injected life into his side’s campaign with 32 points and back court foil Dejounte Murray added 25. Jayson Tatum had a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Celtics.

On the back of an inspired Trae Young, the Hawks got themselves back in it against the Celtics. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Cleveland became the first NBA team this season to be held under 80 points in a game as New York produced a throttling 99-79 win to take a 2-1 lead in their series. Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett combined for 40 points.

A seventh career playoff triple-double from Nikola Jokic led Denver to the brink of advancing with a 120-111 win over Minnesota. Jokic had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as Michael Porter Jr scored 25, securing a 3-0 series lead.