Darius Morris: Basketball world mourns the loss of Los Angeles Lakers point guard who died at 33

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The world of basketball is mourning the loss of a talented player, Darius Morris, a former point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Morris tragically died at the young age of 33 with the cause of his death yet to be revealed. 

Darius Morris' body was discovered in a Los Angeles area

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement and asked for privacy and grace during this difficult time.

“Darius Aaron Morris,” as he was fully known, was discovered dead in the Los Angeles area on Thursday, May 9, according to TMZ. The circumstances surrounding his untimely death have not yet been disclosed.

"With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris," his family the former NBA player's family said in a statement to the publication.

"During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," the statement added.

Los Angeles Lakers mourn the loss of Darius Morris

The Los Angeles Lakers expressed their grief over the loss, stating, “We are heartbroken by the passing of Darius Morris.”

Morris was a standout player at the University of Michigan from 2009-11, where he had his best season as a sophomore, as per Michigan Wolverines. 

He averaged 15 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, leading the Wolverines to a 21-14 overall record and their second NCAA Tournament appearance under Coach John Beilein.

Beilein, his former coach, paid tribute to Morris saying, “Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris."

"In 2010-11 Darius was our starting point guard. 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," he added. 

Darius Morris' transition from college to the NBA

After his successful stint at Michigan, Morris entered the NBA as the No 41 overall pick in the 2011 draft chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers and, for the first two seasons there, he played alongside late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

He spent four seasons in the NBA, playing for the Lakers, Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets from 2011-15.

Morris began his career in the NBA D-League, now known as the G-League, and made his debut in January 2012.

He re-signed with the Lakers the following offseason, leading the 2012-13 Lakers Summer League team in scoring and assists.

He had one of the best games of his Lakers career after filling in for an injured Steve Nash, recording 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal in a 101-77 victory.

Darius Morris' post NBA legacy 

After his NBA career ended, Morris played basketball internationally until he retired in 2020.

Despite short stints with the Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs Summer League squad, and being signed and then waived by the Portland Trail Blazers, he found a home with the Brooklyn Nets in December of 2014 and spent the rest of the season there.

Shams Charania, a senior NBA reporter, mourned the loss, stating, “Four-year NBA veteran Darius Morris has passed away at the age of 33. Morris played for the Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Nets from 2011-2015.”

The Michigan Basketball Community also expressed their sorrow, with Michigan Men’s Basketball writing, “The Michigan Basketball Community mourns the passing of Darius Morris.”

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