Lakers Rumors

Report: Markieff Morris Lifted Weights and Did Push-Ups Immediately After Facing Zion Williamson

Published by
Robert Marvi

Markieff Morris, the Los Angeles Lakers’ newest addition, appears to have a good amount of desire and work ethic.

He had a good showing offensively in their win over the New Orleans Pelicans, but gave up 35 points to Zion Williamson.

Afterward, Morris immediately went back to work, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

“Markieff Morris had just gone head-to-head a few times with the 6-foot-7 and 285-pound Zion Williamson, and the Lakers forward didn’t like how he responded,” wrote Turner.

“So when the Lakers’ 122-114 win was over Sunday night, Morris worked out in the hallway outside the locker room with the team’s training staff. He lifted weights and did push-ups, all with the intent of getting his body ready for the brute force of Williamson or any other powerful player he might face.”

On a team that’s been accused of being soft, the toughness and resolve of a player like Morris is much appreciated.

“That mentally helped me because Zion put me on my [butt] about three times, and I wasn’t feeling that,” Morris said of his postgame workout. “I wasn’t feeling that, so I had to get a lift in to prepare for this upcoming stretch. It was all because of that. I don’t play that [mess]. I got to work.”

Morris scored 10 points in less than 15 minutes of playing time on Sunday, hitting 4-of-8 shots and 2-of-4 from 3-point range.

In just four games with the Purple and Gold, it appears he will infuse this team with consistent 3-point shooting and an inside scoring option moving forward.

But his ability to physically match up with big forwards like Williamson may ultimately be the most valuable attribute he brings to the team.

Morris picked an opportune time to sign with the Lakers. They are about to embark on a tough stretch of games where they will face several superstar wings.

They will play Giannis Antentokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, then battle Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Robert Marvi

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif., and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA fan since he was a little kid in the mid '90s and fell in love with the Nick Van Exel-led Lakers teams. He truly cherishes the Kobe Bryant-era of Lakers basketball and the five world championships that came with it, and is looking forward to the team's next NBA title.

Published by
Robert Marvi

Recent Posts

Ex-teammate of Kobe and Shaq reacts to ‘BS’ narrative about Bryant being O’Neal’s sidekick

Gilbert Arenas is a self-described fan of Kobe Bryant, but he turned some heads when…

December 22, 2024

Jordan and Shaq’s ex-teammate discredits LeBron’s ‘bubble’ ring after he’s called Lakers legend

The Los Angeles Lakers have sky-high expectations compared to the lion's share of other NBA…

December 21, 2024

‘LeBron makes the trades’: Carmelo Anthony speaks out on chances of Lakers dealing LeBron James

Amid chatter about the future of 20-time All-Star LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers,…

December 20, 2024

DeMarcus Cousins says he and Anthony Davis would’ve helped Pelicans become contenders if not for ‘dumba-s’ Dell Demps

Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins called out former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell…

December 19, 2024

Darvin Ham fires massive shot at Lakers: ‘Anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension’

Darvin Ham has had more NBA Cup success than any coach in the league since…

December 18, 2024

Bobby Portis on the difference between the Bucks and the Lakers: ‘We’re not Hollywood’

The Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2024 NBA Cup title with a 97-81 victory over the…

December 18, 2024