Most promising Los Angeles Lakers: 3. Markieff Morris
Anyone that follows my work here at Lake Show Life or listens to the Lake Show Life Podcast knows that I am a big fan of Markieff Morris. I do not think he is an excellent star player, but he is a really solid role player that fits on this Lakers team so well.
Morris was really good for the Lakers in the NBA Playoffs last season. Only two players in franchise history — Michael Cooper and Trevor Ariza — had a better three-point percentage than Morris (42%) with as many shots in a single playoff.
He was versatile for the team who was able to come off the bench as an off-ball scorer as well as start at small-ball center against the Houston Rockets. Morris really played well and the Lakers were able to re-sign him at the league minimum.
Meanwhile, his twin brother Marcus Morris got a four-year, $64 million contract when he is not that much better than Markieff, but I digress.
Morris has averaged 16.3 minutes per game this season with 7.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He has continued his efficient shooting, making 45.5% of his three-point shots thus far this season.
Morris is someone who will come off the bench and hit 2-3 big threes for the Lakers as well as grab some boards. Getting 6-9 points and 5-7 rebounds per game, with efficient shooting, off the bench out of someone who signed a minimum contract is a great deal for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The box score does not do Markieff Morris enough justice. He is a legitimate role player off the bench that makes this team better.