LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have waived center Mo Bamba and guard Shaquille Harrison, the team announced Thursday. They are likely to decline the team option on Malik Beasley's contract, creating a way for the team to potentially use the full mid-level exception once free agency opens Friday, people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly told The Los Angeles Times.
The moves, which have not been made official, open enough space below the NBA's tax apron for the Lakers to make a competitive offer to free agents such as Denver's Bruce Brown or Golden State's Donte DiVincenzo — both of whom would be in line for less should they re-sign with their teams.
The $10.3 million owed Bamba and the $2.4 million owed Harrison for next season would have become guaranteed after Thursday. The team also had a Thursday deadline to decide on Beasley's team option of $16.5 million for next season.
