NBA News: Lakers Waiving All-Star Center Could Have Been Made Earlier

The Los Angeles Lakers know that they need to make changes if they hope to find answers. They waived DeAndre Jordan, a move that made sense since the purple and gold can add other free agents who play different positions.

However, the question now is timing. Before the NBA trade deadline, rumors were swirling that the Lakers were set to trade the All-Star center. No deal went down and instead, Jordan stayed on.

However, he hardly saw action or contributed to the team’s cause.

In the 32 games that he has played this season, the 33-year-old has only seen 12.8 minutes of action, averaging 4.1 points and 5.4 rebounds. These are career-low numbers with the 6-foot-11 center’s career continuing to decline since the 2018-19 season.

Some even poked fun of his plight, particularly that horrific pass he made in the Lakers' disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Regardless, some teams may still take a chance on Jordan. According to ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers are the frontrunners to sign him, likely to fill up the void left by Andre Drummond who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

Once official, Jordan would be the third ex-Laker to sign with the Sixers. The other two were Dwight Howard and Andre Drummond.

It would be best to note that both had remarkable stints in Philly. And being reunited with former coach Doc Rivers, Jordan could be finally put to good use.

As for the Lakers, the exit of Drummond allows them to take in other players. They are reportedly set to sign DJ Augustin and Wenyen Gabriel.

The 34-year-old played 34 games with the Houston Rockets but his numbers were hardly notable. He averaged only 5.4 points and 2.2 assists so it will be interesting if he can do more than just quarterback for the Lakers.

As for Gabriel, the 6-foot-9 cager will be signed to a two-way contract. He has played only 7 games this season and his numbers are hardly better than Augustine. The 24-year-old has so far averaged only 2 points and 2.1 rebounds in just seven minutes of action with the Los Angeles Clippers.