In an effort to reduce team costs, the Los Angeles Lakers have waived forward Shawne Williams, it was announced today. The Lakers roster now stands at 14 players.
Williams had minimal impact on the team this year despite getting plenty of playing time from coach Mike D'Antoni. In 32 games this season, including 11 starts, the 6’9” forward out of Memphis University averaged 5.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game.
A natural small forward, Williams played out of position primarily as a stretch 4 in D'Antoni's pick-and-roll offense. With the team's backcourt ravaged by injuries, D'Antoni nevertheless has continually chosen to play small-ball, with Williams spotting up at the three-point line in many of the team's sets.
Despite the team's lack of perimeter firepower this season, D'Antoni has stubbornly refused to play bigs Jordan Hill, Chris Kaman, and Pau Gasol simultaneously at the 4 and 5 on a regular basis. That left many of the frontcourt minutes to the smaller Williams.
Originally selected by the Indiana Pacers in the first round (17th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, Williams signed with the Lakers on September 3, 2013.
By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services
Dantoni sucks
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