All Lakers

Former Lakers Forward Waived By Rival Boston Celtics

This one-time Laker will be looking for a new squad prior to the start of the 2023-24 season...

Jason Fray

In this story:

The NBA life can be quite brutal -- especially for a journeyman forward aiming to latch onto a team during the training camp portion of the season. 

You've got to impress your new team with energy, effort, and some sort of skill set that can be applicable to the team in question. Essentially, how do you fit into the grand plans of the team from a role standpoint? 

Former Los Angeles Lakers power forward/center Wenyen Gabriel was signed by the rival Boston Celtics with the intention of perhaps giving Joe Mazzulla's team some depth up front. A springy player known for running the floor and blocking shots, there was an outside chance he could've stolen a roster spot with a strong preseason. 

Unfortunately for Gabriel, this dream didn't come to fruition. 

As famed NBA pundit Shams Charania reported, Gabriel was waived by the team Friday morning. 

This was a mild surprise considering Gabriel's past experience as a pro. Last year for the Lakers, he played in 68 games -- averaging 5.5 PPG and 4.2 RPG on ..647 from the field.  

The Celtics have a very strong top seven from a rotation standpoint (Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard). However, things fall off rather quickly after that. 

Ultimately, it appears as if Utah State product Neemias Queta (by way of Portugal originally) has come on out of nowhere to potentially snag a roster spot. With Luke Kornet also in tow, there was simply nowhere for the former Laker to fit. 

Boston opens its regular season schedule this upcoming Wednesday, Oct. 25 in Madison Square Garden against the feisty New York Knicks. 

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!

Published
Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting). 

Home/News