Lakers Finalize Pre-Season Roster: Jarron Cumberland Waived, Tevian Jones Steps In

The Los Angeles Lakers are fine-tuning their roster as the highly anticipated NBA season looms, executing a strategic swap that sees guard Jarron Cumberland waived and promising talent Tevian Jones officially signed. These moves, while seemingly minor, underscore the intense competition for a coveted spot on an NBA team, especially one with championship aspirations like the Lakers.

Jarron Cumberland, who had been with the team during their rigorous training camp, now finds himself looking for his next opportunity.

A guard known for his scoring ability during his collegiate career, Cumberland was among the hopefuls striving to impress the Lakers' coaching staff. His waiver reflects the tough decisions teams must make as they pare down their rosters to the league-mandated limit.

Stepping into the fold is Tevian Jones, a dynamic wing who also participated in the Lakers' training camp and pre-season efforts.

Jones's signing suggests the coaching staff saw something in his game—perhaps his athleticism, defensive potential, or developing offensive skills—that they believe could benefit the team, even if his role might initially be with their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as part of a two-way contract or similar arrangement.

These end-of-roster spots are often crucial for developing talent and providing depth throughout a grueling NBA season.

The timing of these transactions is critical. With the regular season just around the corner, teams are making their final evaluations and cuts to establish their definitive 15-man rosters, plus any two-way contracts.

Such moves are commonplace in the final days before the season opener, as organizations weigh experience against potential, and immediate need against long-term development. For the Lakers, a franchise consistently under the spotlight, every roster decision is scrutinized as they aim to build a cohesive unit capable of contending for another title.