The Lakers‘ search to fortify their roster ahead of the postseason led to the addition of veteran Markieff Morris after he secured a buyout from the Pistons. After L.A. struck out on acquiring Markieff’s twin brother Marcus at the deadline, the team pivoted its focus to the nine-year veteran.
Morris’ addition will give the Lakers another versatile, big body who can play around the perimeter and help the team in small-ball lineups. The 30-year-old is excited to contribute to the team’s championship aspirations, Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register writes.
“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.”
The other interesting wrinkle is the Morris twins playing in the same city, competing for a championship. Marcus was traded to the Clippers ahead of the trade deadline, joining another team with NBA championship aspirations. Markieff admitted that his brother’s new team played a role in where he ended up signing:
“I think it had a little bit to do with it. Both of us are going to be competing for a championship and I think we both got a good shot and I was excited when he came to the Clippers and was more excited when I came to the Lakers.”
