Lakers News: Team Claims Tarik Black Off Waivers, Waives Xavier Henry

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read

With all of the injuries suffered this season, it was only a matter of time before the Los Angeles Lakers made a move. The team had been linked to a number of different players in both free agency and trades.

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That time has finally come as ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the team has claimed former Houston Rocket Tarik Black off waivers:

In order to create a roster spot for Black, the team has waived injured guard Xavier Henry:

Black had appeared in 25 games, starting 12 this season for the Rockets, but was released so they could sign forward Josh Smith. He averaged 4.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in only 15.7 minutes per game.

The move is an interesting one for the Lakers as Black gives the team another solid big off the bench who excels on the glass, much like current Lakers Ed Davis and Jordan Hill.

An undrafted rookie out of Kansas, Black gives the team another serviceable big in case the Lakers want to make a trade at some point this year. He also fits in with the tough, defensive-first mindset that head coach Byron Scott likes.

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Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.