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:
And Lakers have claimed Tarik Black off waivers
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 28, 2014
In order to create a roster spot for Black, the team has waived injured guard Xavier Henry:
The Lakers, I'm told, have formally waived Xavier Henry
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 28, 2014
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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