Los Angeles Lakers: What Markieff Morris means for the team

What is the impact of power forward Markieff Morris on this Los Angeles Lakers team?

The Los Angeles Lakers missed on forward Marcus Morris losing him to the LA Clippers? No problem. There is still his twin brother, Markieff Morris, and they did not let him slip through their fingers.

The third time is charming, but the second twin is appealing too. After a quiet trade deadline and a thoughtful buyout market, the LA team finally made its midseason move acquiring the 6’8″ forward.

Most importantly, they did not have to disrupt the close group they built. By waiving DeMarcus Cousins to make room for Morris, nothing changed for the team, except that DMC will not be able to travel and sit on the bench. But, he still will be allowed to work at the training facility with Lakers staff, remaining around the team.

Morris already made his Laker debut wearing number 88, but it is not certainly in these first games that we can evaluate his impact on the team. As of now, we can just hypothesize how the front office saw his fit with the team pushing it to acquire him.

Markieff comes to add depth and versatility to a roster designed to support its dynamic duo LeBron James–Anthony Davis with shooting and versatility.

The Lakers are currently average in the NBA in 3-point shooting and some improvement would not hurt their chances in the postseason. Markieff was converting a career-high 39.7 percent in Detroit, then hitting from the distance is what is most expected from him.

As more suited to play the five than any other Lakers wing, with his 245lb frame. When needed he will provide the center position with floor-stretching-ability, allowing AD to spend more time in the interior even in small lineups.

The former Jayhawk also talked about the fact that his presence would allow Kyle Kuzma to play a little bit more of his natural three position. Actually, this concept does not apply anymore in a game where the distinction between power forward and small forward has basically disappeared, but his and Kuzma’s playing will still be related anyway.

Kuz’s main problem all season long has been consistency. One night he goes for double figures, the other he struggles to connect. Morris can compensate for him on the tough nights.

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The two players are structured to be complementary. As one has a bad night, the other can step in his place and make up for the teammate’s struggles. This way, the Lakers will always have a scoring wing off the bench to rely on, that third guy people have been talking about the whole season, split into two.

Unfortunately, Markieff is not a fierce defender as his brother Marcus is. Defense has never been one of his strengths, but the hope is that joining a team third in defensive rating in the league, with a well-structured defense and a very good collection of stoppers, can help him improve his impact, or at least do not make him a liability while on the floor.

Of course, we cannot forget of the entertaining factor that bringing Markieff to Los Angeles produces. A possible Conference Final between the Lakers and the Clippers, would not only mean an exciting city rivalry, but also a clash between the Morris brothers.

Growing up the two twins never wanted to play one against another, and after an idyllic cohabitation in Phoenix ended with a bad divorce with the organization, they might now face each other on the biggest stage.

Besides this fun aspect, we will have to be patient, and give Keef the time to grasp the Lakers’ game and his role in it. Once ready, he could bring some excitement and provide great help in the hunt for the championship.