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[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers are sticking with their current core as they head into the playoffs.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers have opted not to convert two-way centers Trey Jemison III and Christian Koloko to standard contracts before the regular season deadline, rendering both ineligible for the postseason.
While Jemison and Koloko are still practicing with the team, they won’t be suiting up during the playoffs.
Jemison, 25, provided solid minutes earlier in the season, averaging 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per game during a stretch when injuries hit the frontcourt. Koloko, 24, posted similar numbers, with 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per contest.
The Lakers recently chose to convert two-way guard Jordan Goodwin instead, waiving veteran Cam Reddish to make room. Goodwin had earned a spot in the rotation late in the year and will be playoff eligible.
McMenamin added that the Lakers liked the chemistry of the group that closed the season and didn’t want to disrupt it by making more roster moves.
Interestingly, that means veteran big man Alex Len—who has seen minimal action since joining in February—will remain on the roster, while Jemison and Koloko are sidelined for the postseason. Unsurprisingly, Bronny James, who was already on a standard contract, also made the cut.
