The Los Angeles Lakers have made a surprising move this offseason, opting for continuity with their core roster around superstar Luka Doncic while parting ways with a polarizing figure from their 2024 lineup: Markieff Morris. The decision to move on from the 14-year NBA veteran, who played a limited role last season, has sent ripples through the basketball world, marking the end of Morris’s tenure with the franchise and potentially his NBA career.
A Quiet Exit for Markieff Morris
While no official announcement has been made regarding Morris’s departure, the signs are unmistakable. The Lakers, currently sitting at 14 rostered players, appear content to head into the 2025-26 season with an open roster spot, signaling that Morris is not part of their plans. The veteran forward, who joined the team midseason last year as a deep reserve, played sparingly, appearing in just eight games with an average of 15.5 minutes and 5.5 points per game on inefficient shooting. His absence was particularly notable during the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he did not see the court.
Morris’s history with the Lakers is not without its highlights. He was a key rotation player on their 2020 NBA Championship team, which delivered LeBron James his first and only title with the franchise. Added late in the season, Morris found his stride in the playoffs, shooting an impressive 42 percent from three-point range across 21 postseason games, helping propel the Lakers to glory in the Orlando bubble. However, his return to the team last season failed to recapture that magic, and his limited impact made his departure inevitable.
A New Chapter for the Morris Brothers
The decision to move on from Morris comes alongside intriguing developments for both Markieff and his twin brother, Marcus Morris. According to a recent report by NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Morris brothers have hired a new agent to represent them as they explore new playing opportunities. This move suggests that Markieff is not only done with the Lakers but may be preparing to exit the NBA altogether. The absence of optimistic language in Haynes’s report—typically a staple in stories about players seeking NBA contracts—hints that the Morris twins may be eyeing opportunities abroad, potentially in leagues like China’s CBA or the BIG3.
The Morris brothers have long expressed a desire to play together, even taking pay cuts a decade ago to join forces with the Phoenix Suns. That dream was short-lived when Marcus was traded to the Detroit Pistons, and the twins have since played for different teams across the league. Their decision to share an agent now suggests they may be planning a joint venture, whether in international basketball or another basketball-related endeavor. This development underscores the likelihood that Markieff’s NBA career, which has spanned 14 seasons and multiple teams, may have reached its conclusion.
Why the Lakers Moved On
The Lakers’ decision to part ways with Morris reflects their confidence in a deeper, more competitive roster for the upcoming season. With stars like Luka Doncic and a potentially disgruntled LeBron James anchoring the team, the Lakers have prioritized versatility and youth over veteran name recognition. Morris, whose impact on winning basketball has diminished in recent years, no longer fits the team’s vision. His role as a locker-room “Unc” and institutional memory from the 2020 championship run was not enough to justify a roster spot on a team with championship aspirations.
The Lakers’ choice to carry 14 players instead of the maximum 15 also signals a strategic approach to roster flexibility. By keeping an open spot, the team can remain agile in the trade market or sign a player who better fits their needs as the season progresses. This move aligns with the Lakers’ broader offseason strategy of avoiding drastic changes while fine-tuning their roster to compete in a loaded Western Conference.
The Legacy of Markieff Morris
Markieff Morris’s NBA journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by moments of brilliance and stretches of inconsistency. A first-round pick in 2011, Morris carved out a reputation as a tough, versatile forward capable of stretching the floor and providing physicality. His time with the 2020 Lakers remains a career highlight, as he played a meaningful role in a championship run alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, his recent seasons have seen him bounce between teams, often serving as a depth piece rather than a difference-maker.
As Morris and his brother Marcus look to their next chapter, the basketball world will be watching to see where their talents take them. Whether it’s an international league, a new venture like the BIG3, or even retirement, the Morris twins’ legacy as gritty, team-oriented players will endure.
Looking Ahead for the Lakers
For the Lakers, moving on from Markieff Morris is a calculated decision that reflects their focus on building a championship-caliber team around Doncic and James. While Morris’s contributions in 2020 will always hold a special place in Lakers lore, the team’s future lies with its current core and the flexibility to adapt as the season unfolds. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see how this retooled roster navigates the challenges of the 2025-26 season—and whether they can reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite.