Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni investing in guard Darius Morris

While D'Antoni has a quick hook, he also keeps putting Morris back in the starting lineup. Veteran forward Antawn Jamison has been left out of the rotation in favor of the more athletic, defensive-minded guard.

"[Coach] is really trying to find me minutes and try to use what I can bring to my team, even though sometimes I mess up. Being a young player, he's willing grow with me," said Morris. "It definitely gives me confidence whether I play five minutes, 10 minutes, just the fact that he's putting me out there in that spot, in that role, it's an honor."

Bryant believes Morris can be a unique player for the Lakers.

"It's a great opportunity to for him to really improve his worth," said Bryant. "There's not a lot of guards at his size that can be combo guards and be great defensive players as well. It's a great opportunity for him to build that reputation."

The most important thing the Lakers are focused on right now is getting wins. The Lakers have gotten six victories in their last seven games, which is what they need to overcome their injury-ridden start that had them as low as 12th place in the Western Conference.

ALSO:

Lakers retire Jamaal Wilkes' jersey

Dwight Howard, Lakers whip Blazers, 104-87

Matt Barnes calls time with Lakers 'a bad situation'

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Comments (3)

Add / View comments | Discussion FAQ

quickster at 8:14 AM December 31, 2012

Darius Morris needs to learn how to shoot. So, the lakers looks lethargic when his on the floor scoring wise. I like to see him against Westbrook and see what he can do. Maybe, we can have a line up that looks like this. Starters: Howard, Jamison, Kobe, Meeks, Nash. Bench: Pau at center where he needs to be, Hill at Power forward for his hustle, MWP, Blake, Morris. (if Blake is back) The lakers needs to be 10 deep so they have enough energy when the playoff comes.

redlands lakers fan at 5:30 AM December 30, 2012

At times Morris was starting and after playing 6 minutes saw little action the rest of the game. He shoud be playing at least 20+ minutes as the lakers need his speed and quickness on the break. His hounding defense against the pg's disrups the offense of the opponent. He should play regular minutes and less of Meeks who is on value only when his shot his on which is rare.

Roller202 at 5:24 PM December 29, 2012

Great attitude !!

Comments are filtered for language and registration is required. The Times makes no guarantee of comments' factual accuracy. Readers may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link next to a comment. Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.