Lakers let two disabled player exceptions expire unused
The Lakers have let their two disabled player exceptions expired unused.
Earlier in the season, the franchise was granted a $4.9-million exception for Steve Nash (back), and a $1.5-million exception for Julius Randle (leg).
Either could have been used to acquire a player via trade, free agency or waiver claim, provided the player’s contract was set to expire by the end of the current season.
Instead, the Lakers claimed Tarik Black off waivers from the Houston Rockets in late December. With the rookie forward/center on a minimum contract, using one of the disabled player exceptions was not necessary -- or even legal, given that Black is on a two-year deal (second season non-guaranteed).
The Lakers also signed Jabari Brown to a 10-day contract on Tuesday, at a minimum salary of $29,843.
The Lakers were given permission by the NBA to go to 16 players, above the normal maximum of 15, because the team has four players out for the season: Kobe Bryant (shoulder), Ronnie Price (elbow), Nash and Randle.
The team’s payroll stands at $70.2 million.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus
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