Predictably, McCloud Left Out

The move George McCloud had predicted two weeks ago became reality Monday when he was left off the playoff roster. That means the Lakers swapped a first-round pick for someone who won’t even be in uniform at the most critical time of the season.

Not that the Lakers are regretting their Feb. 20 deal with New Jersey, which also sent seldom-used center Joe Kleine to the Nets. If anything, they are glad to get out from under the draft choice, which will either be No. 22 or 23, depending on the outcome of a coin flip with the Atlanta Hawks.

The Lakers, with three rookies this season and a young team overall, have no need for another next fall, especially in what will be a weak draft.

“Not at least in my mind,” Executive Vice President Jerry West said when asked if Monday’s roster decision made the acquisition of McCloud a bust. “He’s someone our coaching staff wanted. I just don’t think it’s fair to judge him off the opportunity he had. We were working in a lot of players at the same time because of all the injuries. He never had the chance to play with the intended people.”

The veteran small forward, frustrated with inconsistent playing time and feeling unable to adjust to a reserve role when it came with a quick hook, made only 23 appearances after the trade, worth an average of 12.4 minutes per game. He said even during the struggles, which included 35.4% shooting, that he would like to re-sign, but that stance softened considerably when he was put on the injured list April 11 to make room on the roster for the returning Shaquille O’Neal.

Whether the Lakers will want him back depends on what other transactions are made during the summer.