The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic ahead of the NBA trade deadline. While it shocked many, LeBron James was able to reunite with his old teammate, Markieff Morris.
He’s one of the teammates James has always had love and appreciation for. Both of them were a part of the 2020 Lakers title in the bubble. That season was an absolute cluster.
Not that the Lakers performed poorly. It was quite the opposite. They were the top team in the Western Conference heading into the playoffs that season.
Even with the uncertainty, they hoisted up the NBA championship and James’s first with the Lakers. He spoke via Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times about what Morris can bring to the team this season.
“I missed him,” LeBron James told The 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.”
LeBron James is happy to see Markieff Morris on the Lakers
Sometimes, having veteran leadership is all that a team needs. Although the newest Laker might not be the most productive, he understands being in a championship environment.
Morris knows what the assignment is, and what is to be expected. Even with the team landing Doncic, that standard doesn’t change. As a result, it likely heightens the expectation of the winning standard.
Despite trading guys like Max Christie away and losing depth, the Lakers have two generational stars on the same team. James might have more years behind him, than in front of him. On the flip side, the inverse can be said for Doncic.
He’s only in his age-26 season and has a barrage of accolades already. He has five All-NBA first-team selections and led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
While they lost to the Boston Celtics, the potential and promise of an eventual champion was there. Now, he’s looking to do that with the Lakers.
Unfortunately, though, the team’s success might be dampened. On Saturday, James suffered a groin injury that could keep him sidelined for a week or two.
The injury isn’t too timely but the Lakers are still in a secure playoff position. Having someone like Morris to call out plays or certain attributes within his team could be the difference moving forward.
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