​The Los Angeles Lakers have officially severed ties with a former Celtic guard who stood 6-foot-3 and earned an NBA championship, marking a roster move that will likely surprise some observers at first glance. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, L.A. has formally renounced its free-agent rights to a collection of players, including 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. This strategic step was taken to clear cap space for the Lakers’ recent free-agent pursuits, which include Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.
A veteran who battled through the 2019-20 season as a valuable three-and-D contributor for the Lakers, Avery Bradley contributed 8.6 points and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range during the championship run led by LeBron James. The Texas product and former Celtics standout, who reached his peak as a two-way force, briefly left the Lakers before returning in the 2021-22 season. In his second stint with L.A., Bradley continued to provide solid defense and timely offense, averaging 6.4 points and 0.9 steals on 42.3% shooting from the floor and 39.0% from beyond the arc.
Bradley’s career with the Lakers spanned a high point and a letdown. After helping the team reach the playoffs during the championship era, the squad failed to secure a postseason berth, casting a shadow over the tail end of his tenure in Los Angeles. Yet, the veteran guard carved out a meaningful NBA career, earning a championship and remaining a credible two-way contributor throughout his time in the league.
The broader context of the Lakers’ maneuvering highlights a deliberate effort to manage free-agent rights and draft a path toward new acquisitions. By renouncing the rights to certain players, including Bradley and several others who have contributed to the franchise in varying capacities, the Lakers aim to optimize their cap space and flexibility. The marquee names mentioned as potential new additions—Mamukelashvili, Grimes, and Sexton—represent a mix of versatility, playmaking, and scoring ability that could help the team recalibrate its roster around core pieces in the coming seasons.
As the league continues to evaluate the Lakers’ moves, fans and analysts will be watching not only how the team fills the gaps created by these free-agent rights renunciations but also how the new pieces integrate with established stars. The transition underscores a broader theme in the NBA: the continual balancing act between maintaining a contender’s window and pursuing fresh talent to sustain success over the long term.
For readers seeking the latest developments and context, The Sporting News remains a primary source for comprehensive coverage of these front-office decisions and their implications for the Lakers’ championship ambitions in the seasons ahead.