Los Angeles Lakers waive Matt Ryan, LA's best shooter, per report. Is a big trade next?
The Los Angeles Lakers might be finally ready to make one of the moves everyone thinks the team should be making. At least, that might be the case if the team's latest roster move is any indication.
The Lakers just waived one of their few sharpshooters, Matt Ryan, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Ryan was the Lakers’ best shooter and actually won the team a game earlier this season against the New Orleans Pelicans. He shot 37% from deep during his Lakers tenure, which was the second-best on the team only behind Austin Reeves’ 39%. It’s a puzzling move, to say the least.
LEBRON TO MEDIA: Why haven't you asked about Jerry Jones' photo?
MR. EVERYTHING?: Pacers Mathurin could be NBA Rookie of the Year
NEVER MISS A MOMENT: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter now
But it starts to make a bit more sense when you consider what they could potentially do because of it.
It’s almost trade season across the NBA. In a couple of weeks on December 15, the players who signed with teams this past offseason will finally be eligible to be traded.
This move seems to be a move in preparation for that. They needed to open up a roster spot to bring in new talent and Matt Ryan was the cost. That’s just how the dice happened to roll here.
It doesn’t indicate who the Lakers may be targeting or what they’re even willing to give up. It just indicates that they are, indeed, looking to make a move and fill that spot.
But still. To give up your best shooter? That’s tough, man. Especially on what might be the worst shooting team in the NBA.