Lakers waive injured forward Jonathan Holmes, cut roster to 16
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.
On Friday, the Lakers reduced their roster to 16 players, waiving undrafted Texas forward Jonathan Holmes.
Holmes made two preseason appearances for the Lakers, separating his shoulder just a minute into the Lakers’ 104-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers signed Holmes in August to a two-year, $1.4 million contract, but only $100,000 of his first season was guaranteed.
Because of his injury, Holmes will be owed his full salary until his shoulder is healed. His original guarantee will cover roughly 16 games, but if his recovery takes an extended period of time, the Lakers would be responsible for up to $525,093 (his entire rookie salary).
The Lakers still need to make at least one more cut before opening night, although the decision likely will be made Saturday, giving enough time for the 48-hour waiver period. Final regular-season rosters are due Monday.
The team still has four players on non-guaranteed contracts, but forward/center Tarik Black and guard Marcelo Huertas appear to be locks.
The final decision likely will come down to second-year guard Jabari Brown and veteran forward Metta World Peace.
The team previously waived center Robert Upshaw and guard Michael Frazier. Both cleared waivers Thursday and could end up in the NBA Development League with the D-Fenders.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus
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