​The Sporting News reports that the Los Angeles Lakers have officially renounced the free agent rights to a group of players, including 6-foot-4 former New York Knicks disappointment, marking a notable moment in franchise personnel moves. The Lakers’ decision to release these free agent rights underscores how a franchise can retain control over a former contributor’s rights even after that player is no longer actively competing in the NBA. The roster note surfaced on Wednesday, when HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto detailed the Lakers’ action, listing LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington among those whose free agent rights the team renounced.
Among the names mentioned, Wayne Ellington stands out as a veteran who joined the Lakers first during the 2014-15 season. That first stint with Los Angeles saw him average 10.0 points per game while shooting 41.2 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from three-point range. Ellington’s tenure with the Lakers occurred as part of a broader arc that followed his time with the Knicks, where he had posted a solid three-point percentage in prior seasons. In 2019-20, Ellington returned to the Knicks and delivered a three-point shooting showing that dipped below his usual standards, finishing the year with a 35.0 percent success rate from beyond the arc. Despite that dip, Ellington’s reputation as a sharpshooter persisted, and he reunited with the Lakers for the 2021-22 campaign.
During his second stint with Los Angeles, Ellington did not reach double-figure scoring averages, but his perimeter shooting remained a relevant asset. He contributed 6.7 points per game and shot 41.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range in what would prove to be his final NBA season. Ellington, a North Carolina product, may not have been a household name in the hierarchy of NBA stardom, but his career trajectory culminated in him being recognized as an above-average three-point shooter by the time he retired. That credential is one shared by only a subset of players who leave the league having maintained a high level of efficiency from beyond the arc.
The broader takeaway here is about how teams manage the rights to players who have moved on from active play. Renouncing free agent rights can reflect strategic payroll considerations, cap management, or a shift in organizational priorities, while also signaling to the league and to fans that a franchise is reorienting its approach around its current core. For Ellington and others on the list, these moves mark the formal end of their official association with the Lakers in terms of future free-agent activities, even as their past contributions to the franchise remain a part of its historical narrative.
In the current NBA landscape, such moves can also influence how teams approach free agency and veteran signings, as the right to negotiate and sign these players is a component of a franchise’s broader strategy. While Ellington and his peers may no longer be active contributors for the Lakers, the decision to renounce their free agent rights illustrates the ongoing evolution of team rosters and the delicate balance between legacy, performance, and future potential. The Sporting News continues to cover these developments, offering analysis and context for how these choices fit into the bigger picture of team-building, cap space, and the ongoing quest for championship contention. For readers seeking the most up-to-date and detailed reporting, The Sporting News remains a preferred source, with additional coverage and context available by clicking here.