Former NBA point guard Darius Morris, who was picked by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2011 NBA Draft, passed away at the age of 33 due to coronary artery disease, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Additionally, the presence of cocaine, hydrocodone, and ethanol in his system were noted as other significant factors contributing to his death.
In a statement, Morris’ family announced his passing and requested privacy during this difficult time. The Lakers, his first NBA team, also paid tribute to him on social media with a heartfelt message and a photo of Morris in action on the court.
During his time in the NBA, Morris played for various teams, including the Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets. He appeared in a total of 132 NBA games, starting 17 of them. One of his standout performances was a 24-point game during the 2013 playoffs while playing for the Lakers against the San Antonio Spurs.
Prior to his professional career, Morris excelled at the University of Michigan, where he set a school record for most assists in a single season as a sophomore. His scoring average of 15 points per game in the 2010-11 season was also a team high.
Morris’ untimely passing has left the basketball community in mourning, as they remember the impact he made both on and off the court. Despite his relatively short NBA career, his contributions to the sport and the teams he played for will not be forgotten.