Former Lakers and Clippers guard Darius Morris died at age 33 from coronary artery disease, with the “effects of cocaine, hydrocodone, and ethanol” playing a significant role, according to a report by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Morris, who was known for his time playing alongside Kobe Bryant after his successful high school and college career, was found dead on May 2 by an apartment manager conducting a welfare check in the Los Angeles area. The medical examiner ruled the death an accident. The last known communication Morris had was on April 22, when he spoke to his mother and complained of flu-like symptoms. Foul play is not suspected.
In a tragic twist, Morris’s death comes amid legal troubles for his family. In February, his father, Dewayne Morris Sr., and older brother, Dewayne Morris Jr., were found guilty of conspiracy and three counts of bank fraud following a jury trial in federal court. Dewayne Jr. was also found guilty of witness tampering. Sentencing for the duo, initially set for June 3, was postponed to August 5 to allow the judge time to review three motions for a new trial filed by Dewayne Morris Jr.’s lawyer, Anthony E. Columbo. Columbo plans to file a fourth motion by Friday, claiming that exculpatory material regarding a cooperating witness was withheld by the government during the trial.
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Columbo emphasized that Darius Morris had “absolutely no connection or involvement whatsoever in the case,” describing him as “pleasant and a gentleman” in their meetings.
Darius Morris’s basketball career was marked by his vibrant personality and radiant smile. He led Windward High School to a CIF state Division V championship in 2009, earning the title of CIF Southern Section player of the year. At the University of Michigan, he set assist records before being selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2011 NBA draft.
During the 2012-13 season, the Lakers faced significant injuries, including Kobe Bryant’s torn Achilles’ tendon and point guard Steve Nash’s broken leg. Morris stepped up, coming off the bench in the first two playoff games against the San Antonio Spurs and starting in Games 3 and 4 after guard Steve Blake suffered a hamstring injury. Despite the Lakers’ loss, Morris showcased his talent with 24 points and six assists in Game 3, and six assists along with eight points in Game 4.
“Darius was an absolutely super nice guy; he always had a smile,” said Mike Bresnahan, former Lakers beat writer for The Times and now a Lakers analyst for Spectrum SportsNet. “What I appreciated was that when he made it to the NBA, he decided he was going to enjoy every minute of it. He was going to have fun. Darius never forgot that part of it.”
