Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Team showing interest in Marcus Morris

As we move closer to the NBA Trade Deadline, there have been more and more Los Angeles Lakers rumors popping up. It is difficult to figure out which rumors have some truth to them with so many floating around. However, what is known, is that the Lakers are looking to upgrade two spots; point guard and on the wing.

Finding another facilitator and playmaker to help take some of the pressure off of LeBron James is near the top of the team’s to-do list. One that shoots 3-pointers or plays defense would be good.

On the wing, the team could really use another defender. James is playing at a high level on that end of the court, but once again, he could use some help.

The team’s other perimeter defenders, such as Danny Green, Avery Bradley and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, are a little on the smaller size. They can defend both backcourt positions, but they struggle to defend some of the bigger guards.

Darren Collison, who is currently contemplating returning from retirement, and D.J. Augustin are two point guards who have been linked to the Lakers. Now, we have a forward that has been linked to the team as well.

No, it is not Andre Iguodala. While the Lakers would love to get their hands on Iguodala, the Memphis Grizzlies are holding steady on their trade demands. Instead, it is an offensive-minded forward that has garnered the Lakers.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Lakers are monitoring New York Knicks’ forward, Marcus Morris. The Lakers didn’t see Morris first-hand on Tuesday, as he missed the game with an injury, but he is in the midst of the best season of his career.

Morris is leading the Knicks in scoring, pouring in a career-high 19.1 points per game. The Clippers saw how hot he can get from the field, as he poured in a career-high 38 points against them on Sunday evening.

The former Kansas Jayhawk is shooting lights out, knocking down 46.9 percent from the 3-point line, which is why contenders will be lining up for his services.

Those contenders lining up could be why the Lakers are monitoring the situation. According to Begley, the Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers are both keep an eye on him as well. The Lakers could get involved to ensure that Morris is kept out of the red and blue of the Clippers.

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"“Morris is one of the most valuable veterans on the trade market at the moment. He’s shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc and on a one-year deal. The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly keeping an eye on Morris. Opposing execs expect both Los Angeles teams to monitor the market for Morris as well.”"

Given his contract and production, there is no doubt Morris will be a popular name come deadline time. However, there is one thing that could hold up a trade; he loves New York.

Morris’ free agency was an odd one, as he agreed to a deal with the San Antonio Spurs. To make room for him, San Antonio had to unload some other players. But, Morris reneged on that verbal agreement, instead, signing with the Knicks once some money was opened up by Reggie Bullock‘s contract needing to be reworked.

Morris would be a great addition to any contending team. Not only is he playing well, but he is also battle-tested in the playoffs.

While he has been a great leader and player for the Knicks, it is going to be difficult for them to hold onto him if teams are going to be offering first-round picks, which some executives believe could happen.