Former Laker Christian Eyenga waived by Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic waived forward Christian Eyenga on Tuesday, despite his fully guaranteed salary of $1,174,080.

The Lakers sent Eyenga to Orlando in the Dwight Howard trade along with Josh McRoberts. The Magic came into camp with 15 guaranteed players but needed to make room for Gustavo Ayon, who they acquired from the New Orleans Hornets.

Teams can only take 15 players into the regular season. Given the Magic’s willingness to eat Eyenga’s contract, could McRoberts also be on the bubble?

Would the Lakers be interested in bringing back either player?

By the rules of the league’s collective-bargaining agreement, teams cannot reacquire any traded players for a full year, or July 1, whichever comes first.

With Eyenga or McRoberts, the earliest either would be able to return is July 1, 2013.

Naturally the Lakers have a stocked roster. True depth may be questionable but team seems committed to keeping rookie center Robert Sacre. With 13 guaranteed contracts and Sacre, the Lakers have just one spot remaining.

Even if Eyenga or McRoberts were available to the Lakers, neither would fill a need. The Lakers have Metta World Peace at small forward along with Devin Ebanks. Additionally, Coach Mike Brown may also play Kobe Bryant and Antawn Jamison at the three.

McRoberts never quite found his niche with the Lakers. Jordan Hill, assuming he returns fully from a back injury, had already surpassed McRoberts in the rotation.

In addition to being technically illegal, it just wouldn’t make basketball sense for the Lakers to try and reacquire either of their former players.

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