On Friday morning the Los Angeles Lakers announced the release of guard Vander Blue. After earning a training camp invite, Blue was signed to a two-way contract just before the start of the season.
Blue has spent the last couple of seasons dominating the G League, even winning MVP in 2017. He played for the Lakers Summer League team that won the championship in Las Vegas, which presumably played a role in his remaining with the Lakers on a two-way contract.
Blue appeared in five games for the Lakers, mainly in garbage time, averaging just 0.6 points and 0.6 assists. He also appeared in 15 games for the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 19 points and 5.3 assists.
The move gives the Lakers more roster flexibility. The team is now down to 15 players, including Alex Caruso who is also on a two-way contract. This allows the Lakers to bring in multiple players, one on a 10-day contract who may be able to help the team immediately, and perhaps one on a two-way contract who may be worth developing.
The Lakers were said to be targeting shooting after the release of veteran Andrew Bogut and there is no reason to believe that has changed. The team was reported to be ready to sign former Clipper wing Jamil Wilson, but eventually decided against it at the last minute.
It will be interesting to see whom the Lakers eventually target with their open spots, but there is no doubt that president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka will give a long look at all possible options to improve the team.
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