Ja Morant is determined to assert his dominance and leadership on the court, especially against rivals like the Lakers, whom he feels have disrespected the Grizzlies in the past. Following a challenging season marred by injuries and suspensions, he is focused on reclaiming the team's championship aspirations. Morant's competitive nature was evident when he took a technical foul for a forceful bump on LeBron James, signaling that he won't back down from any challenge. Despite facing a week-to-week recovery from a hip injury, his recent performances, including a triple-double against the Bucks, underscore his potential to elevate the team when healthy. Morant's mindset reflects a desire to prove himself and the Grizzlies as contenders, emphasizing that anything short of a championship is unacceptable.