Vinay Kumar
The Los Angeles Lakers are trimming down their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, officially parting ways with four training camp players – a move that signals the team’s final adjustments before opening night.According to a team announcement shared via X on Saturday, the Lakers have waived RJ Davis, Augustas Marčiulionis, Anton Watson, and Nate Williams. “The Los Angeles Lakers have waived RJ Davis, Augustas Marčiulionis, Anton Watson and Nate Williams,” the team shared via X on Saturday afternoon.
Roster Moves Before the 2025-26 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for what could be one of their most pivotal campaigns in recent memory. With Luka Dončić entering his first full season as the team’s lead star and LeBron James sidelined for a few weeks due to sciatica, roster depth has become an early concern.However, with the NBA’s 15-player roster limit, the front office had to make some tough calls before the season begins.
Players Waived
| Player | Age | College | Height | Notes |
| RJ Davis | 23 | North Carolina | 6’0” | Five-year collegiate star, known for shooting and leadership |
| Augustas Marčiulionis | 23 | St. Mary’s (CA) | 6’4” | Son of Lithuanian legend Šarūnas Marčiulionis |
| Anton Watson | — | — | — | Training camp invitee |
| Nate Williams | — | — | — | Training camp invitee |
Among the four cuts, RJ Davis was the most notable name. A product of the University of North Carolina, Davis played 175 games from 2020 to 2025, averaging 15.6 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 36.7% from three-point range on 5.6 attempts per game.The 6-foot scoring guard built a strong collegiate reputation for his offensive consistency and leadership, helping the Tar Heels maintain national relevance during his five seasons.Though he couldn’t secure a spot on the Los Angeles Lakers’ final roster, the 23-year-old’s talent suggests he could find an opportunity in the G-League or possibly with another NBA team seeking backcourt depth.
Augustas Marčiulionis: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Another notable name among the waived players is Augustas Marčiulionis, son of Šarūnas Marčiulionis, the 1992 NBA Sixth Man of the Year runner-up and a key figure in Lithuanian basketball history.After a steady four-year career at St. Mary’s College of California, the 6-foot-4 guard earned a chance to compete for a Lakers roster spot. Unfortunately, he struggled to make a noticeable impact in preseason action and did not see significant playing time under head coach JJ Redick.Despite this setback, Augustas’ pedigree and experience make him an intriguing developmental prospect for teams across Europe or the G-League.
What is in Store for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to waive these players underlines their focus on roster stability and depth as they aim to compete for a championship with a retooled lineup centered around Dončić.With LeBron James temporarily sidelined, Anthony Davis expected to anchor the defense, and several new faces added during the offseason, Los Angeles is prioritizing experienced contributors over developmental prospects – at least for now.Also read: NBA trade news: Golden State Warriors waive NCAA Champion Guard ahead of 2025-26 season – wise move or hasty mishap?As the 2025-26 season tips off, the Lakers will carry 15 standard contracts, finalizing the roster that will chase another NBA title in one of the league’s most competitive Western Conferences.
