After failing to land Marcus Morris, the Lakers are set to add his twin brother Markieff Morris after the forward negotiated a buyout with the Pistons on Friday. While Markieff is not the offensive contributor that his brother is, he can still pack some punch for the Lakers, Sporting News’ Jacob Hancock writes.
Marcus is in the midst of his best season, averaging 19.0 PPG and 5.4 RPG while shooting 43.2% from beyond the arc. Markieff has posted more a modest 11.0 PPG whilst shooting a career-best 39.7% from three. Markieff gives the Lakers another big body to see time in the frontcourt along with Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard. Additionally, Markieff’s presence will allow Kyle Kuzma — who has seen time at power forward — to play his more natural position at small forward.
The move figures to become official once Markieff clears waivers on Sunday.
Check more notes surrounding the L.A. teams:
- To reach a buyout agreement with Detroit, Markieff gave up $4.3MM, the remainder of this season’s salary plus his player option for 2020/21, tweets ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
- Despite practicing for two straight days, Paul George (hamstring) and Patrick Beverley (groin) have been ruled out of the Clippers‘ Saturday tilt against the Kings, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk writes. George’s hamstring has been a cause for concern this season while Beverley sat out the Skills Challenge to heal the groin. Head coach Doc Rivers has stressed the need for the Clippers to be healthy and establish chemistry heading into the playoffs.
- In addition to acquiring Marcus Morris, the Clippers were also busy in the buyout market adding veteran guard Reggie Jackson. While Jackson figures to help the Clippers’ second unit off the bench, the opportunity will also allow him to play alongside longtime friend Paul George, Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times writes.
- The Lakers vs. Clippers game scheduled for January 28 that was postponed following Kobe Bryant‘s shocking death has been rescheduled for April 9 at Staples Center, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
A couple of years ago, Mark was considered the better player. I don’t think that much has changed. Marcus played on a bad Knicks team and had more opportunity, although the Piston sucked, they thought they could make a playoff run, so he played behind Blake. This will be interesting.
Wish the Celts could lure him but I’m sure the twins will be stoked to be in the same city.
Perhaps Kuzma will improve a bit if he sees more time at SF. So far he has been a pretty big disappointment, though. His defense is mediocre and he is streaky at best on offense. Too often he seems like more of a liability than an asset for the Lakers when he is on the court. Before this season began I didn’t quite understand all the praise he was receiving from analysts, etc., and I felt he was overrated. So far nothing I have seen this season has changed my mind about him, except now I really wish the Lakers had traded him so I wouldn’t have to see that ridiculous yellow dye job on his head as much.
I do think Kuzma is a decent player overall, and he is still young, of course. I simply don’t think he has come close to living up to all the hype. I definitely stand by my comment about his hair, though, and that is clearly the most important thing.
Theres no reason to trade Kuzma unless you got a haul back. Kuzma for Morris or some other over rated 30 year old would literally have been another Zubac for Muscala.
A haul? Who is dealing a haul for Kuzma?
Forgive him, he is a homer for anything L.A
Does any team ever claim someone from waivers after a buyout is agreed to and he’s known to have an agreement to sign with another team? Seems like there’s an unspoken agreement that he will be allowed to clear waivers.
A team could certainly claim him but my guess is the assumption is that won’t happen because in doing so his player option for a second year would kick in. Nevertheless a potential contender could want to block the Lakers but I think the general feeling is that the move is not significant enough to warrant claiming him for this season and potentially next season as well.
Happened a few years back when the Blazers bought out Thomas Robinson. He was gonna sign with the Nets but the Sixers claimed him. He went there the next season tho.
Kief gave up a lot of money to join the Lakers and potentially oppose his brother. That $4.3MM includes next year’s guarantee.
wilst = while without a meaningless lisp.
Kuzma may not “hide” as well at SF but it depends on the matchup anyway. Good for Vogel’s flexibility.
I love how these players already say where there going before there buy outs are even complete
how is there no tampering going on ?
Markeiff is the same offensive player. He just didn’t get to pad his stats with the Knicks. As soon as Marcus gets sent to a good team his stats come back to his twin.
Too bad he will be a huge detriment to the Lakers defense.
Huge mistake for the NBA scheduling that game on April 9 – That will be the 3rd day in a row for the Lakers in a 5 outta 7 game/day stretch-
If Lakes have 1 seed locked, which they should, that will be a G league game-
Wow, and for what will feel like a tribute game. BasRef shows 5th game in 6 days! Odd choice of date.
I was thinking the Knicks could sign both Morris brothers this offseason. Maybe get Marcus at a bit of a discount if we sign his brother. Then trade J.Randle for Terry Rozier and draft Edwards.
Pg Rozier/ Nkitina
Sg Edwards
Sf Barret
Pf Morris/Morris
C M.Robinson