Grizzlies' Shocking Move: Taylor Jenkins Out, Lakers Bounce Back
Wow, talk about a shake-up in the NBA! Just when we thought things were settling down as we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the Memphis Grizzlies throw a major curveball by firing head coach Taylor Jenkins. And get this—the team was sitting at fourth place in the Western Conference when they made the move! This decision has left everyone scratching their heads, wondering what really led to this unexpected split.
Jenkins wasn’t just any coach. Since taking the reins in 2019, he became the winningest coach in franchise history, leading Memphis through both highs and lows. But beneath the surface, trouble had been brewing for a while. The tension reportedly started last summer when the front office decided to overhaul his coaching staff, cutting ties with five of his assistants—some of whom were close allies. Jenkins, known for his loyalty and leadership, was visibly emotional during that process. And for many around the league, that moment was a red flag signaling that his own job security was on borrowed time.
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So, why now? Why just weeks before the playoffs? The answer seems to be a mix of declining team performance and a loss of organizational support. Memphis had been struggling in recent weeks, losing 13 of their last 22 games and faltering against top-tier teams. Their defense, once elite, has slipped, and even with key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. returning from injury, the Grizzlies couldn’t regain their early-season dominance. On top of that, star player Ja Morant reportedly wasn’t a fan of the new offensive system implemented by assistant coaches, and frustration was bubbling over. Even during a blowout win over Utah, teammates were seen getting into heated arguments on the bench—never a good sign.
Enter interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo, a European coaching talent brought in this season. He’s known for his innovative motion offense, which was meant to modernize the team’s approach. But with Jenkins gone and assistant Noah LaRoche—one of the architects of this system—also fired, it’s unclear how Memphis will adjust. Will Iisalo double down on this strategy, or will he tweak things to better suit his players, especially Morant?
Speaking of Ja Morant, this whole situation raises big questions about his future with the team. He’s been loyal to Jenkins, and firing the only NBA coach he’s ever played for might not sit well. Add in the fact that Morant was already frustrated with the offensive changes, and it’s fair to wonder if this move will impact his long-term commitment to Memphis. The front office has publicly dismissed any notion of trading him, but in the NBA, things can change fast.
Meanwhile, the Lakers capitalized on Memphis’ turmoil. After an embarrassing meltdown against the Bulls, they rebounded in a big way, securing a 134-127 win over the newly coached Grizzlies. LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves all put up at least 25 points, with James and Dončić even recreating an iconic LeBron-Dwyane Wade moment from the Miami Heat days. The Lakers needed this win badly after dropping four of their last five, and this victory might just give them the momentum they need down the stretch.
As for Memphis, the question now is—where do they go from here? Can they rally under Iisalo and make a deep playoff run, or will this midseason coaching change derail their postseason hopes? And more importantly, what does this all mean for the future of Ja Morant in Grind City? One thing’s for sure—the NBA never fails to keep us on our toes.
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