Lakers Claim Tarik Black

In a somewhat surprising move, the Lakers have claimed waived Houston Rockets forward/center Tarik Black off of waivers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

Lakers claimed Tarik Black, league source tells Yahoo.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) December 28, 2014

The Rockets waived Black, an undrafted rookie out of the University of Kansas, to make room to sign power forward Josh Smith. Black had exceeded expectations in just making Houston's roster, and has shown some potential this season, averaging 4.2 points (54.2 FG%) and 5.1 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game for Houston. Lakers fans may remember him for the game he started in Dwight Howard's stead against Los Angeles, in which he played almost 35 minutes and scored 5 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. To make room for this acquisition, the Lakers will waive the injured Xavier Henry.

Black is exactly the type of young prospect a rebuilding team like the Lakers should be taking a flier on, so kudos to the front office for grabbing him when they had the chance. For what its worth, it sounds like Black is a fan of this move as well:

Well what basketball player doesn't grow up wishing to play for a historic organization like the @Lakers Thank you for the opportunity LA!!!

— Tarik Black (@TarikBlack25) December 28, 2014