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Lakers claim Black off waivers, release Henry

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The Los Angeles Lakers claimed forward/center Tarik Black off waivers Sunday.

Black, 23, was released on Friday by the Houston Rockets, who needed a roster spot to sign forward Josh Smith.

To make room on the roster for Black, the Lakers waived forward Xavier Henry.

The 6-foot-11, 257-pound Black is on a two-year, non-guaranteed deal at $507,336 for the current season, and $845,059 for 2015-16, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers can make him a restricted free agent before the 2016-17 season with a $1.2 million qualifying offer.

Black, an undrafted rookie from Kansas, appeared in 25 games (12 starts) for the Rockets this season, averaging 4.2 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 54.2 percent from the field in 15.7 minutes per game.

Henry appeared in nine games this season for the Lakers before suffering a ruptured left Achilles tendon in practice on Nov. 24 that is expected to keep him out the remainder of the season. In his two seasons with Los Angeles, Henry averaged 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 52 games (five starts).