Former NBA player Darius Morris has died at the age of 33, and his family, who found his body on Thursday, confirmed his death, TMZ Sports reported.
The former guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and other NBA teams said the circumstances of his death were not disclosed but was confirmed by his family, TMZ Sports said. report. The Morris family released a statement expressing their sadness over his death and asking for privacy.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” TMZ Sports said in a statement Saturday. “His family asks that their wishes for privacy and grace be respected during this time of transition.”
Former NBA player Darius Morris dies at age 33 | DeathClick to read more 👇 https://t.co/0BiP66r2Wi
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 4, 2024
Morris began his basketball career in high school in Los Angeles and later made an impact at the University of Michigan. In his sophomore year, he earned a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team and set a school record for single-season assists, a record later broken by Trey Burke, the paper said. (Related: Former NBA star Earl Cureton dies at age 66)
The Lakers selected Morris in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft. He spent his first two seasons as a professional in Los Angeles, playing alongside the late Kobe Bryant. According to TMZ Sports, Morris also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets during his NBA career, averaging 3.3 points, 1 rebound, and 1.4 assists in 132 games.
After his time in the NBA, Morris expanded his basketball career overseas, playing in China, Russia, and France.
