The Los Angeles Lakers recently turned rookie Austin Reaves’ two-way contract into a partially guaranteed deal that made him the 14th player on the Lakers’ roster. This left one remaining roster spot available to the team, not including the two two-way contracts they have. The team has entered both of the past two seasons with that 15th spot open for added flexibility once the buyout market materialized, however, it seems they won’t be doing that this season. The team has reportedly claimed their old friend Avery Bradley off of the waiver wire after the Golden State Warriors released him the other day (first reported by Shams Charania/The Athletic).
The Los Angeles Lakers have claimed Avery Bradley off waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 18, 2021
Avery Bradley was a part of the 2019-20 championship team, however, he did not return to play the rest of the season once the team was in the Orlando bubble due to health concerns surrounding his family and COVID-19. Bradley’s decision to not re-join the team was respected by Rob Pelinka at the time, with Pelinka even calling to congratulate Bradley following their Finals series win against the Heat.
Actually no, the Lakers can claim a player off waivers via the Gasol trade exception ($2.69m) but in this case, Avery is a non-guaranteed summer contract (an Exhibit 9 which is moot once the season starts) – his $ guarnatees Jan 10 (but needs to be waived by Jan 7, if cut) https://t.co/9HUUS7qDsD
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) October 18, 2021
It seems that the relationship between the two has paid dividends for Avery Bradley a little over a year following the Lakers’ championship, as he will now return to re-join LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Per Eric Pincus above, the Lakers’ contract with Bradley will be the same as it was between Bradley and the Warriors with his deal being non-guaranteed. The Lakers can waive Bradley prior to January 7th if they believe their final roster spot would be better suited for a buyout candidate a couple of months from that time.
Bradley will hopefully come in and help with the Lakers’ banged-up guard/wing rotation. Trevor Ariza and Talen Horton-Tucker are both out long-term while the Lakers’ injury report shows that Wayne Ellington will be out for the season opener while Kendrick Nunn is questionable.
AB is a clutch player. First of all, he is terrific defender. Secondly, he has a great handle. But I will never forget the game he had to finish the 1999-2000 season. As I recall he hit something like six of eight three-pointers in what was a crutial game for the Purple and Gold.