The Lakers entered the preseason with 19 players on their crowded roster. Now one day removed from the start of the NBA season, they have made their final cut.
Coach Byron Scott revealed last week that the last roster spot would eventually come down to veteran Metta World Peace or D-League sensation Jabari Brown. YahooSports revealed today that the Lakers decided World Peace was the correct answer all along.
The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving guard Jabari Brown, allowing Metta World Peace to make 15-man roster, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 26, 2015
This makes sense for many reasons, the first being that through six preseason appearances, Brown was highly unimpressive. While his hustle was apparent at times, often he didn’t look like a player fighting for an NBA roster spot, let alone a spot on a franchise like the Los Angeles Lakers. Further, on multiple occasions, Brown demonstrated his Jodie Meeks-esque tunnel vision to the dismay of fans and obviously coaches alike.
Though not much more impressive in the stats category, Brown’s waiving allows Los Angeles to keep World Peace to serve as a mentor for young Julius Randle. Additionally, upon entering the game, World Peace is a spark on the defensive end.
Having attending two preseason games this year, World Peace creates a buzz throughout the arena that cannot be explained. Borrowing from Blades of Glory and Will Ferrell, something about him just “gets the people going!”
Chants of "We Want Metta" have erupted in Anaheim...
— Lake Show Life (@TheLakeShowLife) October 23, 2015
Regardless of win total, this Lakers season is going to be exciting to watch. Fully expect more highlight plays, poster dunks and trash talking from the Lakers young core.
What do you think about Jabari Brown being cut? Should the Lakers have kept Metta World Peace?
Let us know in the comments below.
Next: What Fans Have Learned From the Lakers This Preseason
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