For Memphis Grizzlies' Scotty Pippen Jr., playing Los Angeles Lakers is 'personal'

Grizzlies rookie has history with Lakers star LeBron James following heated exchange in Drew League game

After being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 51st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Scotty Pippen Jr. is set to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time in his NBA career on October 21st. The game will be personal for Pippen Jr., as he has a history with Lakers star LeBron James.

Pippen Jr. and James had a heated exchange in the Drew League

In July 2022, Pippen Jr. and James played against each other in the Drew League, a pro-am basketball league in Los Angeles. During the game, the two players exchanged words and Pippen Jr. was ejected after receiving two technical fouls.

Pippen Jr. said the incident was 'blown out of proportion'

After the game, Pippen Jr. said that the incident was "blown out of proportion" and that he and James had "cleared the air" since then. However, the incident still seems to be on Pippen Jr.'s mind, as he said that playing against James and the Lakers will be "personal" for him.

The Grizzlies and Lakers are scheduled to play twice this season

The Grizzlies and Lakers are scheduled to play twice this season, with the first game taking place in Los Angeles on October 21st and the second game taking place in Memphis on November 23rd. It will be interesting to see how Pippen Jr. performs against James and the Lakers, and if he can put the incident in the Drew League behind him.