Lakers waive Shawne Williams
By Jacob Rude
Jan 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Shawne Williams (3) battle for the loose ball during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
With today being the deadline to waive players with non-guaranteed contracts, the Lakers had a handful of decisions to make. Ryan Kelly, Xavier Henry, Kendall Marshall, and Shawne Williams all had non-guaranteed contracts, which would become guaranteed this evening and going forward. For Kelly, Henry, and Marshall, today went on without any disturbance. However, Williams was waived by the Lakers.
https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina/status/420630438630027264
Williams contract was for just over $1 million dollars, but is now off the Lakers books. This also grants the Lakers one open roster spot, which could be useful in any trades they may execute in the coming weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
It also could mean the Lakers sign someone off the free agent, like Hedo Turkoglu, who was rumored to have interest from the Lakers. Turkoglu fits perfectly into D’Antoni’s style of play, but with the Lakers reeling, will they take a flier on a guy like Hedo? Only time will tell.