Ex-Rebels Smith, Birch are let go by Lakers, Heat
Former UNLV forward Roscoe Smith was released from the Lakers’ preseason roster Saturday, less than 24 hours after he played for Los Angeles in Las Vegas.
The Lakers also released guard Jabari Brown.
Also, former UNLV forward Khem Birch was let go by the Miami Heat on Saturday. Like Smith, Birch bypassed his senior season with the Rebels and went undrafted. He was signed as a free agent by Miami after playing for Washington in the NBA Summer League in July.
Smith played with the Lakers in the Summer League and gained an invitation to training camp. He appeared in seven of eight preseason games, averaging 14.8 minutes, 3.1 points and 3.1 rebounds.
In the Lakers’ preseason finale Friday night at the MGM Grand Garden, Smith had four points and six rebounds in a 93-92 loss to Sacramento, but missed two critical free throws during the final minute.
Prior to Friday’s game, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said that while Smith had performed well during training camp, he wasn’t sure Smith would make the opening night roster. Smith could remain with the organization as a member of its NBA Development League team, the D-Fenders.
In six preseason appearances with the Heat, Birch averaged 16.9 minutes, 1.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.
