Lakers use hardship exception, add Jabari Brown on 10-day contract
The Lakers have reunited Missouri backcourt mates, signing Jordan Clarkson’s former teammate, 6-foot-4 shooting guard Jabari Brown, to a 10-day contract.
Brown, who was an affiliate player with the D-Fenders after going through training camp with the Lakers, was an NBA Development League All-Star, averaging 24.4 points a game.
While L.A. was already at the roster maximum of 15 players, the team was eligible for an exception to increase to 16. The Lakers have lost Kobe Bryant (rotator cuff), Julius Randle (leg), Steve Nash (back) and Ronnie Price (elbow) for the season.
Nick Young has missed the team’s last seven games with a knee issue. L.A. could technically petition the league for another hardship exception to increase to 17 players.
The Lakers (16-46) have just 20 games left in the season. Developing young prospects, like Clarkson and now Brown, may be the best use of the team’s final stretch.
Brown is expected to earn the rookie minimum at $29,843. He would be eligible for one more 10-day stint, after which the Lakers would have to either sign him for the remainder of the season or let Brown leave as a free agent.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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