Darius Morris, a former Los Angeles Lakers star, has reportedly passed away at the age of 33. The NBA team announced on Twitter, revealing that Morris died on May 2.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Darius Morris,” the Lakers shared. The team also shared an image of Morris in his #1 Lakers jersey.
Morris’ family confirmed the news in a statement to TMZ. “With great sadness, we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
According to the media outlet, Morris’ body was discovered on Thursday in the Los Angeles area. Other details about his death remain unknown at this time.
Morris hit the spotlight during his time at the University of Michigan, where he earned third-team all-Big Ten Conference his sophomore year season. He also the school’s single-season assists record during that same year with 235.
Morris was a second-round draft pick to the Lakers in 2011 where he played for two seasons alongside Kobe Bryant. During his time in the NBA, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets. He left the league in 2015 and played for teams in Russia and France.
Darius Morris Says He Learned to ‘Stay Ready’ During His First NBA Season
During an interview with ESPN in 2012, Darius Morris opened up about the biggest lessons he learned during his first NBA season. His biggest lesson: “stay ready.”
“As young players, we kind of embraced that, because you see how quickly things can happen,” Morris explained at the time. “I wasn’t even dressing and active, and then Steve Blake goes down, I’m thrown into the fire. That right there.”
“Everyone has their little moments. Or Dev (Ebanks), not being in the rotation and Kobe goes out. You would never expect it… It’s just something you’ve got to do. This is your career. You are getting paid to stay ready and not have any excuses.”
Although he admitted it wasn’t the best season for him, Darius Morris said it made him stronger mentally. “Just to be able to go through adversity and in terms of how to handle it and where to fuel it to, that disappointment.”
“You just go harder on the court and I think it’s definitely gonna help me in the offseason, just to turn a lot of heads next season, even in Summer League.”