SACRAMENTO -- When the media doors opened to the Kings practice facility at the new Golden 1 Center Monday afternoon, point guard Ty Lawson was on the floor with his teammates. It’s been a rocky 72 hours for the 28-year-old after he missed a team flight to Kentucky, but he’s survived for the moment and will remain part of the Kings roster.
Lawson, who has a history of off-the-court issues, was brought in late during the offseason to support one of the soft spots in the Kings roster. Starter Darren Collison is scheduled to miss the first eight games of the 2016-17 season due to league suspension.
Known for his speed and quickness, the Kings have been optimistic throughout camp that Lawson can start in Collison’s absence and provide a major spark off the bench once Collison returns.
After six successful seasons in Denver, Lawson bounced around the league last season, playing 53 games for the Houston Rockets before getting waived late in the year. He joined the Indiana Pacers for the final 13 contests of the year and even made seven playoff appearances.
Fresh off a 3-year, $35 million contract, Lawson was signed to a non-guaranteed, league minimum contract with Sacramento. The Kings had a zero-tolerance policy in place, but Lawson’s explanation of the situation has extended his stay with the team, at least for now.
The Kings roster remains at 18 players, with cuts expected later this week to get to the league maximum of 15. Four players, including Lawson, opened camp in a battle for the lone remaining roster spot. Before his latest indiscretion, Lawson was considered a lock to not only come out of camp with the team, but to play a major role for the retooled roster.
