Lakers Trade Prospects: Markieff Morris Breakdown

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Oct 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the home opener at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the home opener at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Why It Makes Sense For LA

The Lakers are still extremely thin at the small forward position and despite having Anthony Brown and pipe dreams of Kevin Durant coming to LA in the offseason, Markieff Morris seems like a viable option that the Lakers should be considering.

While Morris isn’t necessarily a small forward, he certainly has the capability to play three and four which is something the Lakers currently lack. This is to say, they have power forwards who have the skill set to play center if need be, but would struggle mightily if required to play three. Morris has no such problem.

At 6’10”, Markieff has the versatility to bang on the inside, as well as the shot and dribbling skills to work on the perimeter. The Lakers would not only benefit from what he brings to the offensive side of the ball, but mostly from how he’d help the defense.

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Seeing that Lakers current defensive scheme is switch heavy, he provides the perfect three man, as he won’t get bullied by power forwards because that’s his original position, but also has the lateral quickness to stay with perimeter players.

Considering his impressive production last season, it seems that the biggest thing that could help Markieff get out of his slump is a change of scenery, something the Lakers should be more than willing to accommodate.

While unlikely, if the Lakers could also get a pick back, more than likely in the form of a second rounder, that would be even more ideal.

Next: Could Tony Wroten Be Part of the Lakers Future?

Markieff Morris’ trade value is at an all time low, so the Lakers would be wise to try and get everything possible in a deal with their once heated rivals.