It’s not a major move by any means but that’s just fine by Jim Buss. Yesterday the Lakers re-signed Darius Morris after making a qualifying offer mere hours after free agency began over the weekend.
For his troubles Morris will earn just under $1-million next season and will hopefully grow into an expanded role in his second year. As a rookie Morris showed some physical tools that could be very beneficial to the team going forward.
The L.A. native has good size for a lead guard, can push the rock in transition and is a solid defender. He’s also not at all shy about his shot so confidence is certainly not lacking.
As you would expect his decision making was suspect at times but the hope is a full offseason complete with summer league and training camp will help in that department.
Morris took a big risk as a rookie by signing a one-year deal that granted the Lakers the right to match any offer. Most rookies that aren’t first round picks ink deals that include a team option giving them some comfort knowing a job opportunity is always on the table following their first season. Morris rolled the dice and luckily the Lakers liked enough of what little they saw that he’s been welcomed back.