Lakers Rumors: Interest being shown in recently released Markieff Morris

Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve a potential buyout candidate in Markieff Morris.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have not slowed down even with the NBA Trade Deadline passing on Feb. 7. The Lakers made two trades prior to the deadline, sending out Svi Mykhailiuk to the Detroit Pistons for Reggie Bullock.

In a second trade, the Lakers sent Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac across the hall to the Los Angeles Clippers for Mike Muscala, who was traded twice in a matter of hours.

That second trade with the Clippers is the one that has caused the most recent Lakers rumors. That trade with the Clippers opened up a roster spot, which meant the Lakers could then become players in the buyout market.

Every season the buyout market is where contending teams bolster their team for the stretch run. A lot of minor deals are completed prior to the deadline that fans may not get excited about, but they are important deals in the long run.

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The Lakers weren’t the only contending team to clear space for potential buyout candidates. There will be a lot of competition for buyout players, as we have already seen Wes Matthews and Wayne Ellington quickly scooped up.

A lot of rumors involving the Lakers have revolved around Carmelo Anthony, who has not played in an NBA game since November when he and the Houston Rockets agreed to part ways. Another name to keep an eye on is Markieff Morris.

Morris was traded from the Washington Wizards to the New Orleans Pelicans right before the deadline in what amounted to a salary-saving move. Morris didn’t last long in New Orleans, as he was quickly released.

That put Morris on the buyout market, and the Lakers are reportedly interested in signing him. Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers would be interested, but there were some stipulations.

Morris is currently dealing with a rather serious neck injury, which is something that could deter the Lakers from using their open roster spot on him.

"Also, the Lakers have interest in signing forward Markieff Morris if he is healthy, according to one person. The Lakers have a roster spot available after trading Zubac and Beasley.Morris was acquired by the Pelicans on Thursday from the Washington Wizards, but he was waived later that day. Morris, who is in the final year of a contract that pays him $8.6 million, still has to clear waivers.Morris hasn’t played in a game since Dec. 26. He was diagnosed with transient cervical neuropraxia, a spinal injury, in January."

Check out this video from Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT, of Silver Screen and Roll, who provides some in-depth knowledge of the injury suffered.

This sounds like a brutal injury, so we wish Markieff a speedy recovery. Even if he doesn’t sign with the Lakers, hopefully, he is able to return to the court sooner than later. If he does sign with the Lakers, he would be a useful addition.

Morris is an improved 3-point shooter, knocking down over 36 percent of his 3-point attempts the last two seasons. In parts of four seasons with the Wizards, Morris is a 35.1 percent shooter from deep.

Morris also brings some intensity on the defensive end of the court, something the Lakers could really use at times. Toughness is something that Tyson Chandler brought to the table when the Lakers signed him after his buyout, and that worked out very well.

Also working in Morris’ favor is that he is a Klutch Sports client. Klutch Sports has been in the news a lot lately as Rich Paul also represents Anthony Davis.

Next. 5 Potential Buyout Candidates For Lakers To Target. dark

Time will tell if Morris and the Lakers eventually come to a deal. His health will be the biggest hold up in a deal, as the Lakers have dealt with a multitude of injuries already. They will be hesitant to add another player with injury concerns to the roster.

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