The LA Lakers have a unique pull for many players owing to the rich history of the franchise.
Luka Doncic secured a dream trade to the LA Lakers, in the most unexpected of circumstances. The Dallas Mavericks decided to trade him away, bringing in Anthony Davis in his place, who is now injured.
Markieff Morris was part of the package that went the other way, with the 35-year-old veteran sent back to the franchise where he was on the roster that won the title in 2020.
After stops with the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets, Morris has been on the Mavericks since 2023.
Markieff Morris was not expecting to be traded at all, disclosing on his YouTube channel that it was a ‘rough’ experience for him.
Morris had just bought a house in Dallas and was expecting it to be the final stop on a career that has also taken in spells with the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons.
And with a return to the Lakers a total surprise, Markieff Morris says that if he had been traded to any other team, he probably would have retired.
Morris said: “I was home man, my feet up comfortable. I told you man, when it first happened, if it was somewhere else, I probably would have wrapped it up.
“Probably would have gone home and been with my family and gave it up.”
Markieff Morris has already made his Lakers debut, scoring three points in the win over the Pacers after being involved off the bench, on a night Austin Reaves stole the show.
And despite claims from Charles Barkley that Luka Doncic and LeBron James will not be able to play together, Morris feels very differently.
He commented: “These guys are used to playing with another great stars behind him, this is a whole another level, they don’t know what’s coming with Luka.”
Markieff had earlier spoken at his press conference to back Doncic’s work ethic, pouring cold water on claims coming out of Dallas suggesting the opposite.
