The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement on a two-way deal with center Lawson Lovering, filling out their roster by acquiring the 7-foot big man. To clear a roster spot for Lovering, the franchise announced a corresponding move to waive wing AK Okereke.
Lovering enters the organization following a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, who initially signed him to a training camp agreement before waiving him in late September. During the previous season, the 23-year-old center gained professional experience with the Memphis Hustle in the G League, where he logged 30 appearances. Across 26.8 minutes per contest, Lovering averaged 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. His resume also includes two NBA regular-season appearances in February under a 10-day contract with the Grizzlies. Lovering originally entered the professional ranks as an undrafted player last year out of Utah.
The departure of Okereke clears the two-way slot that Lovering will now occupy. Okereke had initially secured his two-way contract in July following the draft the previous month, though he departed the franchise before making his regular-season NBA debut.
Before turning professional, the 6-foot-7-inch wing spent three seasons at Cornell before playing his final collegiate year at Vanderbilt. Suiting up for the Commodores across 36 games, Okereke averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 26.2 minutes per night. His shooting efficiency included a 48.1 percent mark from the field alongside a 40 percent conversion rate from beyond the three-point arc.
