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The Los Angeles Lakers waived former Gonzaga Bulldog guard Joel Ayayi today. After going undrafted this year, Ayayi signed a two-way contract with the Lakers immediately after the draft.
The Lakers cut their roster down to 15 on Friday, including Sekou Doumbouya on a two-way contract. Trevelin Queen, Chaundee Brown Jr. and Cameron Oliver join Frank Mason III and Mac McClung, who were already waived. Joel Ayayi, who had signed a two-way deal, was also waived.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 15, 2021
Although in Gonzaga land, and especially on this blog, we are full supporters of the Ayayi train, he did not do himself any favors during the NBA Summer League.
Ayayi averaged just 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during the Summer League, despite getting averaging nearly 22 minutes per game. He also shot just 2-of-13 from three-point range. It was not what most people were expecting, considering Ayayi earned praise during his time at Gonzaga as an all-around stat stuffer, registering the first triple-double in school history, among other achievements.
He did not succeed much better in the preseason, logging just two points in 46 minutes.
Ayayi could always sign with a G League team, and he no doubt would have plenty of overseas suitors, so it will be interesting to see what Ayayi decides on next.