Markieff Morris re-signs with Lakers

Morris joined the Lakers just before the season was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic after he and the Detroit Pistons agreed to a buyout. He proved to be a valuable contributor in the playoffs, helping the Lakers establish themselves as a defensive force that shut down every opponent they faced on their way to a championship.

Several valuable role players, including Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGree, are no longer with the Lakers, and Morris reportedly also considered joining the Lakers' crosstown rival to team up with his twin brother Marcus, who signed a four-year, $64 million deal with the Clippers earlier this month.

However, Markieff ultimately decided to rejoin the Lakers, and while the terms of the deal have not been confirmed, it is expected to be a veteran minimum, as that's all Los Angeles really has left after adding several players to the roster, including Marc Gasol, Dennis Schroder and Wesley Matthews.

Even with the immense talent on their roster, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers will not have an easy task ahead of them trying to repeat. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, and several Eastern Conference teams will also try to chase the title.