The Los Angeles Lakers have trimmed their roster down to prepare for opening night on Tuesday. The list of guys that were waived are Chaundee Brown, Trevelin Queen, Cameron Oliver, Matt McClung, and Joel Ayayi.
Ayayi had a lot of hype after going undrafted out of Gonzaga University. With pedigree on his name, he never found his form with the Lakers. Head Coach Frank Vogel spoke about the possibility of him still being linked to the franchise:
“We’re going to give it some time,” Vogel said after Los Angeles’ practice session Friday. “We’re going to evaluate what’s out there, we’re not moving on it today and we’re hopeful that Joel rejoins us with the SBL (South Bay Lakers) if he clears waivers, the same with those other guys.”
This doesn’t mean that his NBA journey is over. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that he’s found a new home:
The Washington Wizards have claimed Lakers camp guard Joel Ayayi off waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Ayayi is on a two-way contract.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 17, 2021
Ayayi will join some other former Lakers in Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell. The Lakers roster stands at 14 players going into the season. With a few injuries mounting, they will continue to keep their options open for additions with one open guaranteed roster spot as well as one two-way slot.
