Former Laker player Darius Morris dies at 33

TMZ obtained a statement from Morris’s family about his passing.

“With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” the statement read. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

Morris excelled with the Michigan Wolverines for two seasons. In the 2010-11 season, he topped the Big Ten in assists, setting a single-season assist record for the program. Subsequently, he was selected in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 41st overall pick. He initially played in the D-League before getting called up. Over the next four seasons, Morris played in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets from 2011 to 2015. Following his NBA career, he continued playing basketball internationally until retiring in 2020.

Michigan paid tribute to Morris following the announcement of his passing on their social media accounts, saying, “The Michigan Basketball Community mourns the passing of Darius Morris” with a graphic honoring him. The ex-coach of the Wolverine basketball team during Morris’s tenure shared a post on Twitter/X about him.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris. In 2010-11 Darius was our starting pt gd . 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.”