Darius Morris passed away, but it seems premature to be lamenting his passing when so many people still remember the irrepressible point guard starting for the Lakers in a 2013 playoff series and dazzling.
However, a Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner spokesman attested to Morris’s death on May 2 at a private home. 33 was his age. The representative stated that determining the cause of death might take up to three months.
The memories of Morris, who was a standout player at Windward High in Mar Vista and the University of Michigan before joining the Lakers with his coach Kobe Bryant, will always be of his vivacious attitude and winning grin.
“Darius was an incredibly kind person who was always smiling,” Mike Bresnahan, a 12-year Times beat reporter for the Lakers who currently works as a Lakers commentator for Spectrum SportsNet, said of the man.
“I liked that he took the decision to savor every moment of his NBA experience as soon as he arrived. He was going to enjoy himself. It was an aspect of it that Darius never forgot.
In January 2014, Morris also participated in ten games for the Clippers, having previously played for Philadelphia, Memphis, and Brooklyn. Up until 2020, when the COVID closure forced him to miss his season in France, he played abroad and in the NBA development league.
A year ago, Morris and his parents went to a high school coach’s 50th birthday celebration, where they struck up friendly chats with acquaintances and old teammates.
Miguel Villegas, the coach who guided Windward to its first CIF state high school title in 2009 with Darius as the standout player, stated that Darius “wanted to get back on the court and hopefully get another shot to play somewhere.” Really, we didn’t chat about basketball; instead, we just exchanged how-are-yous. Wonderful to see you.
Those close to him said he was hurt by his father, Dewayne Morris Sr., and elder brother, Dewayne Morris Jr., were found guilty after a jury trial on three charges of bank fraud and conspiracy in February. Dewayne Jr. was also determined to have tampered with witnesses.
June 3 is the day of sentencing at the federal district court located in San Diego. Both men may spend up to 30 years behind bars.
Dewayne Sr., a career U.S. postal supervisor based in Venice and Marina del Rey, was accused of obtaining thousands of postal money orders worth up to $5.1 million, and Dewayne Jr. of fraudulently depositing them in bank accounts and then withdrawing the cash. There is no indication that Darius Morris was involved in this case.
While on pretrial release, Dewayne Jr. was found guilty of threatening his landlord, who had testified against him before a grand jury. He was also accused of using the fictitious money orders to pay his rent.
Robin Morris, who is understandably upset over her husband and one son’s incarceration and the tragic death of her other son, did not reply to a request for comment. She contacted Villegas a day after Darius was discovered dead.
Imagine that exchange, Villegas remarked. I’m pretty close to his parents. I watched him grow from a scrawny 14-year-old as he matured into a young man. Everyone is only now starting their grief journey.
Morris and Villegas first connected in the seventh grade. Morris was as brazen as he was skinny; in order to reach the hoop, he had to shoot with both hands from his hip, but he assured everyone that he could dunk and that Windward would win a state title before he graduated.
Villegas, who is currently the athletic director at St. Monica High, stated, “I knew he had special talent the first game I laid eyes on him.” “He possessed the “it” factor.”
Morris’s father would leave him off at Windward early every morning so he could go to work at the post office. Morris would continue to shoot baskets until classes began.
He delivered on his promises by his senior year, winning the Division V state championship and the CIF Southern Section player of the year award while leading Windward. In the fourth quarter of the state championship, he scored thirteen of his twenty-five points for the game.
According to Villegas, “Darius put the school on the map.” For me, the most significant aspect was that he was an amazing young man, a fantastic team player, and a diligent worker who led by example. He fulfilled every requirement both personally and as a player.
Morris played in the G League, China, Russia, and France in addition to his final NBA season with the Nets in 2014–15. 2019 saw him try one more time to get back into the NBA, this time at the Las Vegas Summer League. Having participated in summer league throughout his early career, he contemplated the distinction.
Morris told Bleacher Report, “I think I’m in that in-between stage of my career where I can offer a lot of advice.” “I’ve played alongside legends, been cut previously, participated in the G League, signed a 10-day contract, and started in both the regular and postseason seasons. I can identify with anyone.
“I know all that advise if you have a rising star that is coming and going in the G League. However, I’m still in my prime and have elite playing ability. I still have a lot left.
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