According to Yahoo Sports Adrian Wojnarowski the Lakers have parted ways with reserve guard Sasha Vujacic. The trade was confirmed today, as Los Angeles will send Vujacic to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for journeyman forward, Joe Smith. The Lakers have been struggling with the absence of Andrew Bynum and the injury to Theo Ratliff, so the help in the paint will be much needed.
The Lakers are also excited to make the deal because of the financial reasons. By trading Vujacic they take his $5.5 million contract off the books and add on Smith’s $1.35 million. For a team that is already looking at one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, financial wiggle room is always crucial.
Officially the deal cannot be announced until Wednesday because Smith was a free agent signing, but officials have confirmed that it is all but finished.