His shooting is his weakness but he has shown that he is willing to put in the extra effort to improve. For example, his three-point shooting percentage jumped from 18% to 25%. Since missed three-point shots continue to be a Lakers weakness, Morris could become a deadly weapon for them from behind the arc. He just needs to remain steadfast in his determination and continue practicing in the off-season.
Where Darius does excel is anytime he has the ball in his hands. He is amazing in the open court running a fast break, and has outstanding court vision. As a point guard he is not thinking about what potentially is his best shot, but what is the team’s best scoring option–all the qualities you want from a point guard.
The Lakers have not seen this type of point guard since Magic Johnson retired. A flashy, smart, unselfish leader who is more focused on the team scoring rather than his personal stats. At 6’4” and 190-pounds, Darius has the height and the foot speed to keep up with guards like Chris Paul, Derek Rose, Rajon Rondo, etc..
Darius is the type of guard that frustrates opposing defenses because he has such a high basketball I.Q and is so smart with the ball. He can handle the ball under pressure, drive to the basket using his strength and size, and see passes that few guards, let alone players, see.
In an era where point guards, not centers, rule the NBA, Darius Morris is just the guy the Lakers need, a tall thick guard who can take advantage of mismatches against smaller defenders, and a guard who can penetrate the defense. Whether or not his drives to the basket result in lay-ups, his ability to get into the middle of the lane breaks down the defense leaving the perimeter shooters wide open. This is something the Lakers know all too well.
Morris is a good edition to the Lakers franchise as they embark on a new journey headed by coach Mike Brown. To be able to learn the NBA game of basketball from Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol, I can only imagine some of the mindsets that will be instilled in Morris as he matures.
