In a bold move reflecting their strategic roster management, the Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Jarron Cumberland to clear space for the signing of Tevian Jones, as reported by Law Murray of The Athletic via Twitter. This decision, made swiftly after Cumberland signed an Exhibit 10 deal on Thursday, underscores the Lakers’ commitment to optimizing their lineup with dynamic talent ahead of the new season.
Cumberland’s brief tenure with the Lakers followed the team’s decision to waive forward Arthur Kaluma to accommodate him. However, the Lakers’ front office wasted no time in reshaping their roster further, opting to bring in Jones, a 6’7″ guard whose explosive speed has been likened to “lightning” by scouts and analysts. While the terms of Jones’ contract remain undisclosed, it is widely expected to be an Exhibit 10 deal, aligning with the Lakers’ recent roster moves.
Tevian Jones, 25, went undrafted in 2023 after a five-year college career, spending two years at Illinois and three at Southern Utah. During his senior season, Jones showcased his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 17.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. His athleticism and versatility have made him a standout in the G League, where he played for the Grand Rapids Gold in the 2024/25 season. There, he posted 15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with a shooting line of .415/.346/.732, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
Jones’ speed and scoring ability have earned him high praise, with his quick first step and ability to attack the rim drawing comparisons to a bolt of lightning. His addition to the Lakers’ roster signals the team’s intent to bolster their backcourt with a player capable of injecting energy and dynamism into their lineup.
The decision to waive Cumberland, who had only just signed with the team, highlights the Lakers’ willingness to make tough calls in pursuit of a more competitive roster. Both Cumberland and Kaluma, who were also on Exhibit 10 contracts, remain eligible to join the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, which recently acquired Jones’ returning rights in a trade. If Jones is waived before the regular season, he too could join the South Bay Lakers, with the potential to earn a bonus of up to $85,300 by staying with the team for at least 60 days.
Jones’ prior experience in the NBA ecosystem, including a brief stint with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023 before being waived, adds a layer of resilience to his profile. His familiarity with the professional grind and his proven performance in the G League make him a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Lakers as they fine-tune their roster.
The Lakers’ front office has shown decisiveness in their roster construction, prioritizing players like Jones who bring unique athletic gifts to the table. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of a player with Jones’ speed and scoring ability could prove to be a game-changer, whether on the main roster or in the G League. Meanwhile, Cumberland and Kaluma will have opportunities to develop further with the South Bay Lakers, keeping them in the organization’s pipeline.
This move is a clear signal that the Lakers are not afraid to make bold, calculated decisions to enhance their competitiveness. With Tevian Jones’ lightning-fast playstyle now in the fold, fans will be eager to see how this electrifying talent impacts the team’s fortunes.