Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons why re-signing Markieff Morris is key

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Markieff Morris #88 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Markieff Morris #88 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

2. Markieff Morris is an excellent role player

It is difficult for a successful basketball team to have too many bona fide stars, especially if those stars have big egos and feel the need to consistently be the alpha dog.

The way that AD and LBJ blended seamlessly together blazed the way to the championship. The offense naturally focused on the duo, who combined to score just under half the Lakers points. But they were well-supported by various players who were happy to accept their roles and step up as needed.

The biggest example of that was how well Kentavious Caldwell-Pope performed in the postseason. But he was hardly alone. Other contributing role players included Alex Caruso, Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo… and Markieff Morris.

Morris is content to be a good teammate. He doesn’t force any shots and is a willing passer. He is inclined to stay in the background and do many of the little things that help a team win.

All those characteristics help make him an excellent role player and a perfect fit for this Los Angeles Lakers team.