The granting of the Disabled Player Exception and its $1.5 million market value, on behalf of Julius Randle’s broken leg, means the Lakers can add another player. But just because they can doesn’t mean they will. The Lakers are at full capacity. 15 players are on the roster. Using the exception means someone is getting cut.
Only two players on the Lakers have contracts that are partially guaranteed with lock-in dates. And the Lakers aren’t going to get rid of either of them.
Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak during a press conference at theToyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Wayne Ellington is shooting 54%. He is the most efficient guard on the Lakers and is a boost for the second unit who is in desperate need of scoring. Ronny Price is the only pure point guard who can backup Jeremy Lin and throw in some tough defense on the side. Neither player is worth jettisoning for a journeyman forward/center who averages 3 points and 1 rebound.
Mitch Kupchak’s history is one of slow moves, not quick, impulsive decisions. The roster he envisioned has yet to play together. Nick Young may be ready for full contact practice next week. Ryan Kelly is slated to play at Memphis. Kupchak wants to see how it all unfolds with the players he expected to be on the court together (minus Steve Nash and Julius Randle).
The Disabled Player Exception expires in March.