Darius Morris, Former Lakers player, has died at the age of 33
The NBA community has lost one of its players.
Darius Morris, the former Los Angeles Lakers point guard who also played on several other teams in the league about a decade ago, has died, according to multiple reports. He was 33 years old.
We are heartbroken at the passing of Darius Morris 💜.
- Los Angeles Lakers, May 4, 2024.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our much-loved son Darius Aaron Morris", the athlete's family said in a statement to TMZ Sports on May 4. "During this time of transition, his family asks that you respect their wishes for privacy".
The cause of Morris' death has not been disclosed. E! News contacted Morris' representative and has not yet received a response.
The Los Angeles-born basketball player played for the University of Michigan Wolverines before being drafted by the Lakers in 2011.
NBA
He spent two seasons with the team, playing alongside NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a plane crash in 2020.
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In 2013, Morris was traded to the Los Angeles D-Fenders, an NBA G League team. In 2014, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies on short-term contracts. He then moved to the San Antonio Spurs and then to the Portland Trail Blazers, but they waived his services in October this year. Two months later, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets and played with the team until mid-2015.
Since leaving the NBA, Morris has played on other NBA G League teams, including the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and has also played in overseas leagues such as the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association and most recently BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque of the French LNB Pro A in 2020.
Former Michigan coach John Beilein shared memories of Morris after the news of his death.
Sad to hear of the passing of former Wolverines player Darius Morris. Darius was our starting point guard from 2010-11. He was a leader in that program-changing, 21-win season that laid the foundation for Michigan's next decade of success.
RIP DMo and condolences to the Morris family.
- John Beilin, May 4, 2024.
"Saddened to hear of the passing of former Wolverines player Darius Morris", he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Darius was our starting point guard from 2010-11. He was a leader in that program-changing 21-win season that laid the foundation for the next decade of Michigan success. RIP DMo and condolences to the Morris family".