Darius Morris, seen holding a basketball in his Lakers uniform, passed away on May 2. The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that the 33-year-old died from coronary artery disease, with the presence of cocaine, hydrocodone, and ethanol playing a contributing role (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times).
Former guard for the Lakers and Clippers, Darius Morris, died at age 33 from coronary artery disease, with the “effects of cocaine, hydrocodone, and ethanol” noted as contributing factors, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Morris, a standout at Windward High in Mar Vista and the University of Michigan before being drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2011, was found deceased on May 2 by an apartment manager conducting a welfare check. The medical examiner ruled the death accidental. Morris had last been in contact on April 22, when he reported flu-like symptoms to his mother. No foul play is suspected.
**Family Legal Troubles**
In February, Morris’s father, Dewayne Morris Sr., and older brother, Dewayne Morris Jr., were convicted of conspiracy and three counts of bank fraud in federal court. Dewayne Jr. was also found guilty of witness tampering. Their sentencing, initially set for June 3, has been postponed to August 5, pending the judge’s review of three motions for a new trial filed by Dewayne Jr.’s lawyer, Anthony E. Colombo. Colombo has indicated plans to file a fourth motion by Friday.
**Career Highlights**
Darius Morris had a notable basketball career. He helped Windward High win a CIF state Division V championship and was named CIF Southern Section player of the year in 2009. He later set assist records at the University of Michigan before being drafted by the Lakers in 2011.
**NBA Tenure**
During the 2012-13 season, Morris played for the Lakers in the playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs, stepping up due to injuries to key players Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. Morris came off the bench in the first two games and started Games 3 and 4 after Steve Blake was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite the Lakers’ loss, Morris scored 24 points and provided six assists in Game 3 against All-Star guard Tony Parker, and added eight points and six assists in Game 4.
**Remembering Darius Morris**
Mike Bresnahan, a former Lakers beat writer for The Times and current Lakers analyst for Spectrum SportsNet, recalled Morris as an exceptionally friendly and positive individual. “Darius always had a smile,” Bresnahan said. “He decided to enjoy every minute of his NBA career and never lost sight of having fun.”
Morris’s untimely death came shortly after his father and brother’s convictions, though he had no involvement in their case. Anthony E. Colombo, who represented Dewayne Jr., confirmed Morris’s lack of connection to the legal issues, describing him as “pleasant and a gentleman” in their meetings.
