Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant found himself at the center of a viral health scare that sent shockwaves through the NBA community—only for it to be quickly debunked. On January 26, 2026, a doctored screenshot purportedly from Morant’s Twitter account claimed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and would miss the rest of the season. The fake tweet, quoting Psalm 28:7 and describing it as “the toughest news of my life,” spread rapidly on TikTok, racking up over 100,000 views and nearly 4,000 likes.
However, credible sources confirm that Ja Morant has not been diagnosed with lung cancer. The screenshot circulating online was fabricated, and neither Morant nor his family has issued any such statement. Outlets including Ht.com, El-Balad, and Filmogaz.com confirmed the rumor was entirely false. The Memphis Grizzlies also clarified that Morant’s current health concern is a UCL sprain in his left elbow, sustained during a January 21 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The viral misinformation gained traction partly because it coincided with Morant’s recent injury. He had missed six games earlier this season due to a calf contusion and had just returned before the elbow sprain sidelined him again. This sequence left fans anxious, creating fertile ground for fake news. A TikTok user named Templex even posted a video spreading the false claim, amplifying panic before fact-checking caught up.
The Grizzlies acted swiftly to calm concerns. On January 24, the team issued a statement saying Morant is expected to make a full recovery and will be reevaluated in roughly three weeks. While he will remain out through the upcoming NBA trade deadline, there is no indication of a season-ending injury. Team staff and teammates have expressed confidence in Morant’s resilience and dedication to returning to the court.
Fans, however, have felt the strain of Morant’s recurring injuries. Having missed 25 of the Grizzlies’ 45 games so far, supporters joked about a “curse” keeping him off the floor, while some ticket sales reportedly took a hit in cities like Portland. Yet the prevailing sentiment remains one of hope, with most trusting the Grizzlies’ medical team and Morant’s commitment to recovery.
Beyond basketball, the episode highlights the dangers of misinformation. Fake reports about public figures, especially athletes with large followings, can spark unnecessary panic, spread distrust in legitimate media, and add stress to those involved. El-Balad noted that the situation “touches on issues stretching beyond the confines of the NBA,” including mental health and media responsibility in the age of viral content.
The Grizzlies have faced a dual challenge: ensuring Morant recovers while combating the online disinformation wave. Their communications team has worked to deliver accurate updates, while journalists are exercising increased scrutiny to avoid amplifying false claims. Fans have also played a role, defending Morant on social media and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.
Looking ahead, the incident may spur social media platforms to strengthen guidelines on misinformation, especially regarding high-profile sports figures. Legal experts anticipate potential litigation against creators of fake news, while conversations about athlete mental health and transparency continue to gain traction within the NBA community.
For now, the message is clear: Ja Morant is healthy and focused on returning from his elbow injury. The Grizzlies, fans, and wider basketball world remain invested in his recovery, learning a valuable lesson about the power—and peril—of social media in modern sports.
