Ja Morant’s latest sneaker inspiration comes from a Halloween night that went sideways for one of television’s most recognizable characters.
The Portland Trail Blazers guard unveiled a Nike Ja 4 colorway that draws from Martin Lawrence’s clothing in “Boo’s in the House,” a Halloween installment of the sitcom Martin. The connection gives the shoe a specific television reference, pulling from an episode that mixed a home purchase with a supernatural nightmare.
FOX aired the episode on October 31, 1996, Martin fandom reports. It marked the fifth installment of the show’s fifth season and its 113th episode overall, with Gerren Keith directing a script from Barry Vigon and Tom Walla.
Martin and Gina think they have found their ideal home. Instead, their purchase sends the group into a frightening night that leaves Martin confronting a mummy alone after his friends disappear.
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He fights back and exposes Mr. Jenkins beneath the disguise. Jenkins has been taking buyers’ money before frightening them into abandoning the property. Authorities arrest him, but the group discovers an actual haunting and runs. Mr. T also appears in the episode.
Article Continues BelowJa Morant puts winning first in Portland
Morant’s sneaker reveal arrives alongside questions about his place in Portland’s lineup.
During Monday’s media availability, he expressed a willingness to come off the bench if the Trail Blazers need him there.
“I think winning is the most important thing for me,” Morant told reporters. “So whatever role I have to play to get that done, I don’t think anybody would be mad after a win.”
He left the starting decision to the coaching staff, making clear that either assignment works for him. His footwear offers a sitcom callback; his comments keep Portland’s team goals at the center.