Lakers Waiving Matt Ryan, Opening Roster Spot

The Lakers intend to waive small forward Matt Ryan, opening a roster spot for trade possibilities, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Ryan, 25, is 6-foot-7 and in his first season with the Lakers after appearing in one game with the Celtics as a rookie last season. He played 11 games with Los Angeles, averaging 4.3 points and 1.3 rebounds.

Ryan is likely best known for hitting a fadeaway corner 3-pointer at the final buzzer, sending a game against the Pelicans in early November into overtime. The Lakers eventually won.

As we noted earlier, the Lakers have been weighing trades involving guards Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn, with considerably more players across the NBA becoming trade-eligible Dec. 15. (Full post.)

Unreal. pic.twitter.com/2EMoHaDOfS

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) November 3, 2022

Ryan went undrafted before signing a contract with the Nuggets in September 2021. He was waived a month later, then signed a two-way contract with the Celtics in February on the day after the trade deadline.

That deal was not renewed, opening the door for Ryan to sign with the Lakers in September. He played college basketball at Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Chattanooga. He very well could be headed to the South Bay Lakers of the G League next, assuming he clears waivers.