In a tragic turn of events, former Michigan standout and Los Angeles Lakers draft pick, Darius Morris, has passed away at the age of 33, as announced by his family on Saturday. The cause of death has not been specified, though TMZ reported that Morris' body was found in the Los Angeles area on Thursday.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Morris was a beloved figure in the basketball world. His family, in a statement to TMZ, expressed their deep sadness and requested privacy during this difficult time of transition. They also asked for grace and respect from the public.

Morris was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2011 NBA draft. Over his career, he played in 132 games, starting in 17 of them, and averaged 3.3 points. He donned the Lakers' jersey along with four other teams during his four seasons in the NBA.

Following his time in the league, Morris embarked on professional basketball journeys in China and France. His last stint was during the 2019-20 season before he retired from the sport.

Upon learning of Morris' untimely passing, the Los Angeles Lakers expressed their heartfelt condolences in a post on X, stating that they were "heartbroken by the passing" of their former player. The news has left the basketball community and fans mourning the loss of a talented individual who left an indelible mark on the sport.

As the circumstances surrounding Morris' death remain unknown, many will fondly remember him for his contributions on and off the court. His talents and presence will be greatly missed.