With an NBA title on his resume, Markieff Morris expected some pretty hefty deals from different teams. Unfortunately, things didn't go as expected given a dampened free-agent market. However, more than financial concerns, a new report revealed that it was Anthony Davis who pulled Morris back to the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Davis wanted a gritty and a versatile player on both ends of the floor. Morris, who's also a quality locker room guy, fits the bill.
“I think the market was getting really, really dry for (Markieff Morris) and some players, so in this case Markieff knew the best place for him was with the Lakers, but how about this? There is a guy named Anthony Davis who wanted him back. He wanted him back because he’s tough, because he plays defense, he rebounds, he can shoot the three, open up the court and again he’s a versatile player. One thing the Lakers really loved having and have had success with is players who can play offense and play defense, and don’t mind being a good teammate and in the locker room,” Turner said, via Spectrum SportsNet.
Morris reportedly received offers from the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors. However, the deal with the Raptors fell through since the team opted to sign Aaron Baynes.
It's unclear how much the Clippers offered, but it is worth noting that Markieff signed a one-year minimum deal to re-join the Lakers. Be as it may, the X-factor seems to have been Davis who believes Morris was a critical part of their title run.
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