Luka Doncic returned to the lineup after missing three games, putting up a dominant 44-point, 12-rebound double-double to lead the LA Lakers to a 117–112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite Doncic’s brilliance, it was Ja Morant who was at the centre of attention after the game, expressing frustration with the team’s coaching staff.The loss to begin the NBA Emirates Cup was heavier for Memphis when Morant lashed out in the locker room, criticizing the coaches’ decisions. He was clearly not amused by their decision regarding his limited playing time.Speaking to reporters during the postgame locker room interview, he constantly deflected questions with responses like “go ask the coaching staff,” making it evident that tensions between the guard and the coaching staff were flaring.Ja Morant ended up playing nearly 31 minutes, which was actually more than his average from the Grizzlies’ previous five games. However, considering the importance of an NBA Emirates Cup matchup, it’s understandable why he felt he should have been out there longer.There wasn’t a clear reason for the long stretches he spent on the bench, but it may have had something to do with how rough his night was. Morant struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just eight points on 3-14 shooting.Fans criticize Ja Morant for displaying lack of leadership Ja Morant, together with Jaren Jackson Jr., is seen as the heart of the Memphis Grizzlies. As one of the team’s leaders, showing negative body language on the court, let alone publicly calling out the coaching staff, is the last thing the team needs from him.Fans quickly expressed their disappointment in Morant’s behavior.“but this is supposed to be a leader. ja morant. actively avoiding the huddle. you a f**kin loser tn dawg, this ain like you,” @ohkmarr said.“he hasn’t matured a bit since joining the league….sad to see tbh. they already fired a coach so i don’t think they’ll be looking at the coaching staff this time around Ja,” @chiefflips wrote.“I am a fan of Jah but he quits on his team so much. There's so many times where he's playing bad and he just mopes around the court and has bad energy. I don't know if they really fired the coach for him but if they did... smh,” @skymav6 wrote.“Bro played 31 minutes, shot 3 for 14 & had 8 points. How is that the coaching staff’s fault? 🤣,” @Telejah said.“Ja wants to play with his guns instead of doing his job and playing basketball,” @BC10359877 said.“He going to get BEN SIMMONED if he keep his effort up for the rest of his contract,” @100Guns100Clips said.The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 3-3 to begin the season, placing them eighth in the Western Conference standings. Over those six games, Morant’s performance has been subpar, averaging 20.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 40.6% from the field and only 15.3% from three-point land.