Markieff Morris was one of two additional players who joined the LA Lakers along with Luka Doncic.
Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris joined the LA Lakers as part of the Luka Doncic trade, leaving the Dallas Mavericks behind.
Kleber has been out with a broken foot sustained for the Mavericks in January, although could make a return in time for the playoffs.
Morris was making a return the Lakers and was the first of the trio to suit up, playing minutes for the team before Luka Doncic was ready to make his much anticipated debut.
Markieff Morris makes quiet impact
Markieff Morris is a NBA veteran who will have a role on the Lakers beyond his on-court production.
For reference, the 35-year-old has contributed in three games for the Lakers to date, where he has averaged 6.7 minutes per game and 3.6 points.
Head coach JJ Redick clearly appreciates him, pointing out that Morris is having a vital impact on the Lakers bench.
Speaking to the OC Register, Redick explained: “He’s been awesome. It’s very valuable to have a guy like that, a voice, an older voice, someone who’s seen it all in the NBA, someone who’s won a championship, obviously that helps as well.
“He’s been great on the bench with talking with guys, making sure our bench energy is good. I told him the other day, we see it and we appreciate it and we all just value what he’s doing right now from that aspect in leadership.”
Morris was with the Lakers when the team won the championship in the bubble, playing alongside LeBron James, and Redick has noted how important this is.
Anthony Davis was a key part of the Lakers’ title winning team, and following his departure, having another player on the roster who won the title alongside LeBron is always useful
Redick said: “It’s important that he’s been through it with LeBron and our guys know that. LeBron respects him, our guys respect him. And again, it’s something I talked about maybe a month ago.
“There’s so many different forms of leadership and we need Kieff’s leadership.”
Markieff Morris was not happy to be traded
Markieff Morris was not expecting to be traded and he was not happy about it. He had just bought a house in Dallas and believed the Mavs would be his final team.
Morris also told his podcast that if he had been traded to any team other than the Lakers, he likely would have retired.
He has also spoken up for Luka Doncic, warning his former team that the Slovenian is in great shape and ready to prove to the world there should have been no concerns over his commitment.
Doncic and Davis trade full details
Dallas Mavericks acquire:
- Anthony Davis
- Max Christie
- 2029 first round pick
LA Lakers acquire:
- Luka Doncic
- Maxi Kleber
- Markieff Morris
Utah Jazz acquire:
- Jalen-Hood Schifino
- 2025 second round pick
- 2025 second round pick (via Clippers)
