Basketball is basically a game of moments that live forever in 15-second loops. If you’ve been on social media at any point in the last few years, you’ve probably seen the thumbnail: a flying Ja Morant, legs tucked, arm cocked back, looking like he’s about to end LeBron James’ career. It’s the ultimate "David vs. Goliath" visual. But if we’re being 100% honest here, the history of ja morant dunks on lebron is actually more about the near-misses and the psychological warfare than a single, clean poster.
People want to see it so badly. We crave the torch-passing moment where the young king finally puts the old king on a highlight reel that never ends.
The Dunk That Almost Broke the Internet
Let's go back to the 2023 NBA Playoffs. It was Game 5. The Memphis Grizzlies were fighting for their lives against the Lakers. Ja Morant, who plays like he has a personal vendetta against gravity, saw LeBron James standing in the paint. Most players see LeBron and think, "Maybe I'll kick it out to the corner." Ja Morant sees LeBron and thinks, "I'm going to jump over this 6'9" billionaire."
He took off. He really did.
For a split second, it looked like he was going to clear him. The crowd at FedExForum held its breath. But LeBron, being the high-IQ defender he is, didn't just stand there to be a prop. He took the charge. He stood his ground, absorbed the contact, and the whistle blew. Offensive foul. No basket. No poster.
Just a really, really loud thud.
👉 See also: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
It was one of those "successful failures." Even though the points didn't count, the intent was terrifying. It told everyone that Ja wasn't scared of the legend. That kind of fearlessness is why the search for ja morant dunks on lebron stays at the top of Google trends. We aren't just looking for a score; we’re looking for the audacity.
Why This Rivalry Feels Different
The dynamic between these two is kinda weird, actually. It’s not a "hate" rivalry. LeBron has gone on record multiple times praising Ja's athleticism. When Ja dropped that "face-melting" dunk on Jalen Smith (the one where he basically levitated), LeBron was one of the first people on Instagram screaming about it.
"OH MY GOD!!!! Man what's wrong with you @jamorant," LeBron posted on his story.
But on the court? It’s different. They’ve had some spicy moments. Remember the "too small" taunts? Or the time Ja gave LeBron a little shove and earned a technical? It’s respectful, but it’s also high-key competitive.
The Tale of the Tape
If you look at them side-by-side, it’s a miracle Ja even tries this stuff.
✨ Don't miss: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
- LeBron James: 6'9", 250 lbs of pure muscle and experience.
- Ja Morant: 6'3" (on a good day), 175 lbs, and seemingly powered by jet fuel.
When Ja goes at the rim against LeBron, he’s giving up six inches and about 75 pounds. It’s a car crash waiting to happen. Yet, he does it anyway. Every. Single. Time.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Highlights
If you search YouTube for "Ja Morant posters LeBron," you’ll find a lot of clickbait. You'll see thumbnails of Ja jumping ten feet in the air over a photoshopped LeBron. In reality, their best interactions are usually acrobatic layups or "almost" dunks.
For instance, there was a play in 2025 where Ja hit LeBron with a nasty up-and-under move. He didn't dunk it, but he made the King look human for a second. There’s also the legendary chase-down block Ja had against the Lakers—not on LeBron, but it was the kind of "LeBron-esque" play that felt like a direct homage.
Honestly, the "dunk" people talk about most isn't even a dunk. It's the vibe. It's the fact that Ja Morant is the only player in the league who treats LeBron James like just another guy in the way.
The "Dunk List" Obsession
Ja has actually talked about this. He was asked by Taylor Rooks who he wanted to dunk on most. His answer?
🔗 Read more: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
"LeBron."
He even said he’d put the poster right by his front door so it's the first thing people see when they walk into his house. He’s obsessed with it because he knows what it represents. To dunk on LeBron is to officially arrive. It's what Jayson Tatum did in the 2018 ECF, and people still talk about that like it happened yesterday.
How to Actually Watch These Moments
If you’re trying to find the real footage and not the fake AI-generated stuff, you have to look for specific games.
- April 26, 2023 (Game 5): The famous "charge" play where Ja tried to leap over him.
- March 29, 2025: High-scoring duel where they traded acrobatic finishes.
- November 6, 2024: A game where the trash talk reached a boiling point and Ja had a series of "in-your-face" buckets.
What’s Next for the Ja vs. LeBron Saga?
LeBron is 41 now. He’s the oldest player in the league, but he’s still playing at an All-NBA level. Ja is in his prime, looking to reclaim his spot as the most exciting player in basketball after a couple of rocky seasons.
The window for a "real" ja morant dunks on lebron moment is closing. Every time the Grizzlies play the Lakers, it's a must-watch because we know Ja is going to try it at least once. He doesn't care about the stats as much as he cares about the statement.
Basically, we’re waiting for that one highlight that doesn't end in a whistle or a missed rim. We're waiting for the one that actually makes it onto the wall of Ja's house.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the schedule: Look for Grizzlies vs. Lakers matchups specifically at the end of the season when stakes are higher.
- Watch the "All-22" or baseline angles: Broadcast TV often misses how high Ja actually gets. The baseline cameras show the true gap between his head and the rim.
- Follow the mic'd up segments: Much of the drama between these two happens verbally before the physical play even starts.
If you're a fan of the game, stop looking for the "perfect" highlight and start appreciating the fact that a 175-pound guard is willing to risk it all against the greatest player of a generation. That's the real story.