Lakers to let Morris, Goudelock, Ebanks become unrestricted free agents - Los Angeles Times
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Lakers to let Morris, Goudelock, Ebanks become unrestricted free agents

Lakers point guard Darius Morris battles for a loose ball against Houston Rockets forward Marcus Morris and guard Toney Douglas.
(Pat Sullivan / Associated Press)
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General Manager Mitch Kupchak confirmed Thursday that the Lakers will not be extending qualifying offers to free agents Darius Morris, Andrew Goudelock and Devin Ebanks.

All three will hit July as unrestricted free agents. Earlier in the week, the Lakers gave center Robert Sacre a qualifying offer of $988,872 -- making him a restricted free agent.

Kupchak noted that he had asked Morris to join the Lakers’ summer league team in Las Vegas in July. The Lakers may still look to bring back the 6-foot-4 guard, but on a cheaper contract than the $1.2 million required to make him restricted.

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“If I get my contract straightened away before then, I’d be more than happy to play summer league,” Morris said last week.

“I think I’m just developing and coming into my own, with my skills on the court and with my body physically,” the 22-year-old added.

Goudelock’s qualifying offer would have been $1.08 million. Morris and/or Goudelock may still return, perhaps at league minimum contracts of $884,293.

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The Lakers weren’t going to offer Ebanks a minimum contract, let alone $1.3 million to make him restricted. The small forward will not return.

Veteran guard Chris Duhon is expected to be waived before the end of the month. Only $1.5 million of his $3.75 million for next season is guaranteed.

The Lakers should enter July with just seven players under guaranteed contract (Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Metta World Peace, Steve Blake, Jordan Hill and Jodie Meeks). The league requires teams to carry at least 13 players throughout the season.

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Of the seven, one may be cut in July via the Lakers’ onetime amnesty. Only Bryant, Gasol, World Peace and Blake are eligible. Though an amnestied player is still paid, their salary comes off the team’s salary-cap and luxury-tax computations.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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