Lakers adding center Lawson Lovering, waive AK Okereke

The Lakers are changing the makeup of one of their two-way spots, adding size in the middle and moving on from a rookie wing.

Los Angeles has agreed to a two-way contract with center Lawson Lovering and waived AK Okereke to create the opening, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Lovering, 23, spent last season with the Memphis Hustle after going undrafted out of Utah. The 7-footer averaged 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30 G League games, playing 26.8 minutes per night.

He also received a brief NBA opportunity, appearing in two games for the Grizzlies on a 10-day contract in February. Memphis brought him back on a training camp deal before waiving him in September.

Now comes another opportunity to stick, this time with the Lakers.

Okereke’s departure comes before he had a chance to make his NBA debut. The 6-foot-7 wing signed a two-way deal over the summer after going undrafted.

He finished his college career at Vanderbilt following three years at Cornell, averaging 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Commodores. He also shot 40% from three.

For Lovering, the assignment is turning another two-way opportunity into a longer NBA look. His rebounding and shot-blocking give the Lakers something to evaluate while he continues developing.