Los Angeles Lakers: Remaining questions after signing Markieff Morris

The Los Angeles Lakers dipped into the buyout market to sign forward Markieff Morris, but the team still has lingering question marks.

The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Markieff Morris after he cleared waivers Sunday. In a corresponding move, the team waived DeMarcus Cousins, who continues to recover from a torn ACL.

Morris made his debut against the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday. He scored his first basket off a feed from Anthony Davis for a wide-open two-handed jam. Even though the newcomer logged just four points, a rebound and a swat off the glass, the Lakers felt his energy off the bench.

Morris admitted he felt fatigued following Tuesday’s game because hadn’t played in two weeks, per Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell:

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel tossed Morris into the fold for 15 minutes. Perhaps the ninth-year forward will handle a steady role similar to his first outing with Purple and Gold in terms of time on the court.

If so, the Lakers’ second-unit rotation will certainly undergo changes down the stretch.

While the Los Angeles Clippers added Markieff’s twin brother Marcus and guard Reggie Jackson, the Lakers hope to see their newest acquisition round out the frontcourt. He’s not going to solve all of the team’s remaining question marks, but don’t overlook him.

Through 44 contests with the Detroit Pistons, Morris shot nearly 40 percent from the field (.397). He may not be able to sustain that level of efficiency, but the Lakers picked him up at an ideal time as the 30-year-old should feel confident in his shooting stroke.

Focusing on the Lakers’ top issues, which include uncertainty within the second unit, we’ll go into what Morris brings to the court and how it affects his new teammates. Lastly, how can Vogel address the leftover roster voids going into March?