The Los Angeles Lakers have been surging up the Western Conference standings thanks to Nico Harrison's ridiculous decision to trade Luka Doncic away from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis. LeBron James has looked re-energized playing next to Doncic, but he believes there's an underappreciated part of the trade with the Mavericks.
To make the salaries work, Dallas sent over forwards Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber, who were unlikely to play big roles for the Lakers. But Morris is a valuable locker room veteran as a voice that people respect. It also helps that Morris has familiarity with the Lakers already.
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Markieff Morris was a Laker during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, winning a championship with the team in the Bubble in 2020. That kind of experience is extremely valuable to a team that hasn't experienced a lot of winning, outside of the legendary LeBron James. But James is happy to have his old teammate back.
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris (88) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
“I missed him,” LeBron James said about Morris to the LA Times. “…We’ve been in the foxhole together. We’ve been on the floor during big games together. And there’s someone whose opinion I value very much when I come off the floor. He’s watching it. He’s seeing it. I’m just happy to have him back. It’s great to see him.”
Morris has only played in three games for the Lakers since the trade in early February, so he hasn't seen much floor time, just like his tenure with the Mavericks. But his value as a leader in the locker room has extended his career a few extra years.
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