Ja Morant, the electrifying NBA superstar and Memphis Grizzlies guard, has recently been at the center of two very different—but widely discussed—topics online: rumors about lung cancer and his controversial gun-style celebration on the basketball court. Here’s the full truth behind both, what’s real, what’s false, and why these rumors spread so quickly.
Does Ja Morant Have Lung Cancer? The Truth Behind the Rumor
Over the past few days, a viral claim circulated across social media suggesting that Ja Morant had been diagnosed with lung cancer and would miss the rest of the NBA season. The claim included a doctored screenshot of a tweet supposedly from Morant saying he had lung cancer and was stepping away from basketball.
Why This Rumor Is False
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No official announcement: There is no credible report from Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies, the NBA, or reputable sports news outlets confirming a cancer diagnosis for Ja Morant.
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Doctored posts: The original social media posts that sparked the rumor were found to be manipulated or fake, including the bogus tweet claiming a cancer diagnosis.
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Fact checks confirm misinformation: Multiple fact-checking articles and news sources have debunked the lung cancer claim as entirely false.
What’s Actually Happening With His Health
While Morant does currently miss games, it’s due to a legitimate ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain in his left elbow, suffered during a recent matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. The Grizzlies have confirmed he will be reevaluated in a few weeks and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Gun/Grenade Celebration: Controversy on the Court
Another hot topic surrounding Morant this season involves his unique in-game celebrations that mimic gun and grenade gestures after scoring. These moments have put him in the spotlight for reasons unrelated to his play.
From Gun Gesture to Grenade Celebration
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In past games, Morant was fined $75,000 by the NBA for repeatedly using an imaginary gun gesture after scoring.
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In response, he introduced a new celebration mimicking the act of pulling the pin on a grenade and tossing it, often followed by covering his ears — something he says is symbolic of silencing critics and blocking out negativity.
Reactions From Fans and Analysts
Opinions are divided:
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Some fans enjoy the theatrical nature of the celebration and see it as Morant’s way of expressing his personality.
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NBA analysts and commentators, including Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, have criticized the gesture as inappropriate or immature.
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Morant himself has insisted he will continue the celebration “until someone else has a problem with it,” emphasizing that it’s not meant to promote violence.
Why These Topics Go Viral
1. Social Media Amplification
Fake claims — like the lung cancer rumour — spread rapidly because platforms such as TikTok and X encourage quick sharing without verification. These posts often leverage emotional reactions to increase views, making false stories feel urgent or believable.
2. Morant’s High Profile
As one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, every injury, celebration, or social media post related to Ja Morant draws intense attention from fans worldwide. This makes him a prime target for rumors and hot takes, even when there’s no factual basis.
Final Takeaway
No credible evidence suggests Ja Morant has lung cancer — that narrative was based on manipulated posts and has been debunked.
His current absence from games is due to a sprained elbow, not cancer, and he’s expected to recover.
Morant’s on-court celebrations, particularly the grenade gesture, have sparked debate — but they are part of his self-expression and not related to health issues.
As with all viral sports gossip, always seek confirmation from reputable news outlets and official player statements before believing or sharing sensational claims.
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