The Los Angeles Lakers struck out on Marcus Morris prior to the NBA trade deadline, but they managed to end up with his brother, Markieff.
Los Angeles and Morris came to terms on a contract this past Sunday after Morris agreed to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons. Now, Morris is hoping to be the final ingredient to the championship formula.
Morris said he wants to be the “X-factor” while doing whatever he needs to do to help the team win (via Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register):
“Me personally, I’m just trying to be the ‘X-factor’ that’s needed,” he said. “Whatever is needed out of me, I want to come in and provide.”
Morris could heat it up off the bench for the Pistons, averaging 11.0 points in just over 22 minutes while shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.
He has only played two games with the Lakers, but Morris is still showcasing the kind of skills that could make him a valuable contributor come playoff time. Morris made each of his three-point attempts during Thursday's win over the Golden State Warriors, and he also grabbed four boards.
The Lakers had been looking for some more shooting from their bench unit, and Morris should serve as the kind of wing who can play both forward positions while spacing the floor.
Los Angeles are figuring out their best lineup combinations, but it might be fair to suggest Morris would fit in quite well with the starters. He would help clear the paint for Anthony Davis while also giving LeBron James a perimeter outlet on drives to the rim.
In any case, Morris is prepared to own his role, whatever that role might be moving forward.
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