Lakers responsible for injured forward Jonathan Holmes’ rookie salary
Lakers forward Jonathan Holmes grabs his shoulder after a collision with Portland’s Allen Crabbe during the first half of a preseason game on Oct. 19.
Free-agent forward Jonathan Holmes underwent shoulder surgery Friday for a torn labrum, according to his agent, Zach Kurtin.
Holmes, who went through training camp with the Lakers, was injured during an exhibition game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 19.
The Lakers signed the undrafted Texas senior to a $525,093 rookie minimum contract, but only $100,000 of his salary was guaranteed.
Holmes is projected to be out for the next five months, fully healed by the time NBA summer leagues open in July.
By league rules, the Lakers are responsible for Holmes’ entire $525,093 waived salary.
If a player is cut while injured, the team is required to pay the salary until the player is healthy.
Teams can sign players with a clause to protect the franchise from such an injury obligation, but only possible if the player receives no financial guarantee.
In the case of Holmes, almost 20% of his total contract was promised by the Lakers when he signed.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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