Veteran big man Markieff Morris may or may not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers next season. However, he does seem to have a real friendship with superstar Luka Doncic.
He was included in the Feb. 1 trade that brought Doncic to the Lakers and immediately changed their trajectory for the better. He barely played for the rest of the season, but he may have a little bit left in the tank should L.A. decide to bring him back.
One thing that will determine how high L.A.’s new trajectory gets is how much Doncic improves his fitness and conditioning. He looked noticeably slimmer in a recent photo that was taken of him at a Real Madrid game, and at least one report has indicated that he is changing his mindset and actions as far as how he’s taking care of his body.
Morris went on ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday and talked about how this offseason has given Doncic the opportunity to get his body right.
“Like Stephen A. said, that regimen in the season you would think we’re in better shape because of the season, but when you’re eating hotel food, you’re getting in at 3 o’clock in the morning in different cities, you have to eat at 4 o’clock in the morning with a back-to-back,” Morris said. “All that stuff takes a toll on your body. The stress of being in a long season, the stress of being traded mid-season. It’s just the things he went through last year. He’s back in Madrid, I know how he likes Madrid, we were in Madrid last year with the team. He’s back in his environment, he’s having a great time, and right now I don’t even think he’s worried about anything. I just think he’s happy that this season is over. I don’t think he’s happy how this season ended, but I think he’s happy it’s over. He’s going to regroup. Like Stephen A. said, when you’re in the summer, you’re eating that good food, you got that regimen, you got that chef, anything is possible when it comes to losing weight.”
Many have criticized Doncic for being overweight and out of shape, as well as having unhealthy habits. The fact that he looks slimmer just a few weeks after the Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs means he has already adopted healthier habits, which will make it easier for him to maintain and build on those healthier habits when next season gets underway.
He has already been one of basketball’s most prolific players ever over the last six seasons. A leaner, fitter and more motivated Doncic could become a huge nightmare for the rest of the league, not to mention someone who could deliver at least one NBA championship to the Lakers.
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