Lakers Spark Speculation Of Move After Waiving Sharpshooter

The Los Angeles Lakers trigger speculation with every move they make. The front office waived sharpshooter Matt Ryan, creating a spot on the roster. General Manager Rob Pelinka may have prepared the ground for a blockbuster trade.

Lakers fans will remember Ryan’s clutch shot in the overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the front office had a reason to waive him. Shams Charania from The Athletic was among the first to report the waiving. Ryan averaged 3.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in 10.8 minutes per game with the Lakers.

“Matt Ryan confirmed that he’s being waived by the Lakers, but declined any other comment with the move still officially pending,” Goon tweeted.

Matt Ryan confirmed that he’s being waived by the Lakers, but declined any other comment with the move still officially pending.

— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) December 1, 2022

NBA teams have a chance to trade some of their free agents on December 15. This gives Pelinka an opportunity to trade for a top target and get rid of Russell Westbrook for good.

Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn involved in major Lakers speculation

Westbrook embraced a bench role with the Lakers and did a good job in the last few games. He is not the only player to leave the team through a trade though. Jovan Buha from The Athletic mentioned Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley. Pat Bev received a big rule upon his signing. However, NBA analysts believe he should embrace a bench role and sit next to Russ. When it comes to Nunn, he didn’t meet expectations. He suffered a big injury and missed a lot of games. He is back in game action, but Lakers fans are worried about his inconsistency.

“Kendrick Nunn has not lived up to his contract, and has been really inconsistent this season. And Patrick Beverley has still been solid defensively but is averaging career-lows in points, 3-point percentage, and has just really been a non-factor offensively,” Buha said on ESPN LA’s “Lakers Talk” radio show. “So I think looking at Pat and Kendrick specifically, those have been the two names that have come up a lot in potential deals where the Lakers could package those guys together and get to about $20 million combined and then you throw in a first-round pick potentially, and all of sudden there are a lot of options where you get upwards of $22-25 million back in salary and throw in a pick and maybe you get a high-level starter or two coming back the other way if its a rebuilding team that’s looking to shed some salary.”