Lakers cut 5, roster at max 15

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Lakers roster is starting to take shape.

The team waived five players on Thursday, bringing their roster size to the league-maximum 15, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak announced.

Among the players released was Gerald Green, a four-year NBA veteran and former slam dunk contest winner who was selected with the No. 18 pick of the 2005 draft by the Boston Celtics. Green played eight minutes in the second half of the Lakers' 108-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, his only action of the preseason. He was scoreless, going 0-for-1 from the field while registering two fouls and one turnover.

The Lakers also waived forward Zach Andrews, center Chris Daniels, forward Malcolm Thomas and guard Elijah Millsap, the younger brother of Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap.

The roster shuffle is an encouraging sign for the chances of the Lakers' two second-round picks, Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock, of making the team.

Morris, selected No. 41 out of Michigan, had 11 points, three rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes in the Lakers' 114-95 loss to the Clippers on Monday. He did not play Wednesday as coach Mike Brown sat Morris to take a look at Goudelock.

Goudelock, selected No. 46 out of the College of Charleston, scored nine points Wednesday, going 3-for-8 from the field overall, but 3-for-5 on 3-pointers, to go with four rebounds and three assists.

"There's just something about that kid that intrigues me," Brown said about Goudelock after Wednesday's game. "He's got some skill. He can handle the basketball. He can shoot the ball. He can play pick-and-roll. He's got a [mid-range] game. He's tough mentally. He's tough physically. Very good defender and for a young guy, he's very far advanced in my opinion."

Dave McMenamin covers the Lakers for ESPNLA.com.

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