The Los Angeles Lakers were always going to need to waive players if they wanted to claim other players off of the buyout market, as they have been operating with a full roster all season. For example, to acquire Markieff Morris they had to release the injured DeMarcus Cousins. Today was the final day for players to be waived to give them eligibility on joining a team to play for them in the playoffs, effectively being the deadline for waiving anyone in general as most of these deals are done with the good intention of getting a guy onto another team. The Lakers couldn’t do anything in that regard for the injured Boogie Cousins, but they may have given that ability to Troy Daniels just now, as they have reportedly waived the young guard that they had just signed this year (Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN with the report).
Bartelstein tells ESPN: "Rob (Pelinka) and Kurt (Rambis) were fantastic in giving Troy optionality based upon all the scenarios that could play out in the coming weeks." https://t.co/PfS8H3Y8Yn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2020
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN mentions that Tory Daniels’ agent expressed that the Lakers front office gave Daniels “optionality”, which insinuates that this decision was partly Daniels’ decision. Frank Vogel appears to confirm just as much in the below tweet from Tania Ganguli/LA Times. Daniels wanting to be waived isn’t too surprising, as he has not played due to coach’s decision in four of the last six games, with his two only appearances being from garbage time minutes.
“We worked in collaboration with Troy & his agent. … we do not have another move imminent but we wanted to maintain flexibility.” Frank Vogel says on why the Lakers are waiving Troy Daniels. Today is the last day players can be waived and still be eligible for a playoff roster.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 1, 2020
The Lakers now have an open playoff spot, as they will possibly look to players who are currently free agents from other buyout situations. J.R. Smith is a possible player that the Lakers would target, as they’ve somewhat been connected with an obvious connection between Smith and LeBron James. Don’t be surprised if the Lakers maybe take a look at other free agents like Tyler Johnson and Allen Crabbe, as they could also potentially help the Lakers in a deep playoff run. Another, probably more likely player is Dion Waiters, who the Lakers were reported to be meeting with tomorrow, with Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN also confirming that the Lakers still plan to have a meeting at some point.
As Vogel told reporters, Lakers have no imminent plans to add another player. They still plans to meet w/ Dion Waiters, per source, but now Lakers can react should an injury occur, or perhaps add another ballhandling guard/playmaker later. Rob Pelinka plans to take his time.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2020
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any potential signings as this week goes on.
