The Los Angeles Lakers need Markieff Morris to play at a high level

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)

Look, you can say whatever you want about Markieff Morris. Sure, he may not have played so great so far this season, as he is averaging a career-low 4.9 points per game as well as shooting a career-low 38.8%. However, we have seen games where he goes in the opposite direction and his contributions are extremely important and helpful to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The one thing I like about him most is he is a fearless type of player. Much like his brother Marcus, he plays with a warrior’s mentality and is always hustling regardless of how good or bad he is playing.

Morris has the ability to go to the basket or spot up for the jumper and three-point shot. He is also a skilled rebounder at times. Morris does not play like a prototypical 6-foot-9 forward. It seems he is a lot quicker for his size.

Markieff Morris has potentially turned a corner for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Morris had a great game against the Golden State Warriors in which the Lakers blew them out. He had 13 points and eight rebounds and shot 50% from the field. He also had another good game against the Utah Jazz in which the Lakers were blown out. Morris scored 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. He has also been part of the starting five in the last three games.

For the Los Angeles Lakers to continue to have luck in the absence of Anthony Davis, Markieff Morris is one of the main guys that has to continue to play well.

Even when AD does return, it is imperative that his play continue to be solid as he can be a huge contributing piece of the puzzle whether he is in the starting five or coming off the bench.  He is a smart and unselfish player that adds that physicality to the team as well as a tough attitude.

I think Markieff Morris is going to further improve in this upcoming season. He is going to be a bigger contributor in games to come.