What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the waiving of former University of North Carolina (UNC) star RJ Davis, along with three other players, as part of their final roster cuts before the NBA season opener. Despite a strong preseason performance, where
Davis averaged 8.6 points and 1.4 rebounds over five games, he did not secure a spot on the Lakers' opening-day roster. Davis, who was the 2024 ACC Player of the Year, had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Lakers after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA selection process. His performance suggests he may join the Lakers' G-League affiliate. The Lakers ended their preseason with a 1-5 record and are preparing for their season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
Why It's Important?
The decision to waive RJ Davis highlights the competitive nature of securing a spot on an NBA team, even for accomplished college players. Davis's situation underscores the challenges faced by undrafted players in transitioning to professional basketball. For the Lakers, these roster decisions are crucial as they aim to optimize their team composition for the upcoming season. The team's performance in the preseason, coupled with injuries to key players like LeBron James and Bronny James, adds pressure to make strategic roster choices. This move could impact the Lakers' depth and performance in the early part of the season, especially with high-profile games on the horizon.
What's Next?
RJ Davis is likely to join the Lakers' G-League affiliate, where he can continue to develop his skills and potentially earn a call-up to the main roster. For the Lakers, the focus shifts to their season opener against the Golden State Warriors, a game that will test their roster adjustments and readiness. The team will also monitor the recovery of injured players, including LeBron James, who is expected to return in November. The Lakers' management will need to assess the effectiveness of their current roster and make any necessary adjustments as the season progresses.
