LeBron James spoke to the media Friday, April 21, for the first time since Dillon Brooks dismissed James as “old” during an interview after Game 2.

In Luke Kennard’s hometown of Franklin, Ohio, he is more than the player that once passed LeBron James in high school scoring. He was the kid that dominated at King’s Island amusement park, and a godsend for one local business. 

Memphis has options heading into Game 3 of its first-round NBA playoff series with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: David Roddy explains how Memphis finds unlikely heroes

In Franklin, Ohio, Luke Kennard is more than the player who once surpassed LeBron James

“I think this is a testament to the coaching staff, really,” Roddy said. “They prepare us for any situation. They prepare us for the adversities that come during the regular season and they do a good job of connecting that to playoff basketball.”

The Grizzlies didn’t have Ja Morant against the Lakers Wednesday. But they had John Konchar. And Xavier Tillman Sr. And a roster of players who did not wish to go quietly into the good night. So now, through sheer force of will, the series is tied at 1-1. 

Xavier Tillman started five games in the G League this season. Barring the unexpected, he will start at least five playoff games this spring. One imagines no one else in the NBA, and certainly no one multiple seasons into his pro career, will be able to make such a claim. 

Dillon Brooks called LeBron James “old” and said he is not the same player he was when he was winning championships in Cleveland and Miami. 

Xavier Tillman Sr. led all Grizzlies players with 22 points in the win. And, after the game, Dillon Brooks called LeBron James “old.”

Related story:

Box score: Grizzlies 103, Lakers 93

NBA box score for Game 2 of the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers first-round series played Wednesday, April 19, at FedExForum in Memphis.

Game 2 Halftime report: Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers are playing Wednesday, April 19 in Game 2 of their NBA playoffs series. The Lakers lead the series 1-0, but Memphis leads 59-44 at Game 2 halftime.

Related story:

Ja Morant out for Game 2 vs. Lakers

Grizzlies star Ja Morant will not play on Wednesday night against the Lakers in Game 2. He re-aggravated a right hand injury in Game 1. 

Here’s what to look for on and off the court as the Grizzlies take on the Lakers in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at FedExForum. 

Will Ja Morant play in Game 2? That’s the mystery of the moment. But however it turns out, there is fresh reason for hope.

The Grizzlies did not have definitive answers on Ja Morant’s availability for Game 2. They would rather make the Lakers guess. If Morant is out, Tyus Jones will be ready. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. thought he should have won Defensive Player of the Year last season. He responded by taking his game to an undeniable level.

If Ja Morant’s injury wasn’t the story of the outcome of Game 1, it’s still the lead story for the rest-of-series outlook. 

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Memphis ‘disappointed,’ ‘p----- off,’ by Game 1 effort

Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins, visibly displeased after the loss, made it known they have a lot of work to do. 

The Grizzlies lost the game and they lost Ja Morant. On a no good, very bad day at FedExForum.

The forward had 29 points off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers.

If most things went poorly for the Grizzlies in their 128-112 Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the one thing that went the most right has particular meaning for that future: Jaren Jackson Jr.’s game-high 31 points in more than 37 minutes. 

NBA box score for Game 1 of the western conference playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers played Sunday, April 16, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Grizzlies dropped Game 1 to the Lakers on Sunday afternoon, and the status of Ja Morant moving forward is uncertain.

Related:

Box score: Lakers 128, Grizzlies 112

Ja Morant leaves game with hand injury

Playoffs Game 1 halftime report: The Grizzlies have a battle on their hands

Ja Morant left Game 1 of the Grizzlies’ playoff series with the Lakers with a hand injury.

Related story:

Playoffs Game 1 halftime report: The Grizzlies have a battle on their hands

Just 24 minutes of action in, it’s already apparent that Memphis will have a battle on its hands in its opening-round series versus Los Angeles.

There was a growl towel on every seat in FedExForum Saturday. Which means it is that time in Memphis, once again. “It never gets old, man,” said Jaren Jackson Jr. “It’s still hype every single time.”