The 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, and veterans throughout the league are now seeking new homes to continue their professional careers.
One former Los Angeles Lakers wing who wasn't expecting to be in that position with the start of free agency just days away has officially joined those ranks after receiving his outright release on Friday.
What that means for the 2023 draft pick moving forward is anyone's guess. His options will be limited now that franchises have already addressed certain needs through the draft while having, largely, set up their target lists for free agency once it opens at 6 p.m. ET on June 30.
Former Lakers Wing Maxwell Lewis Released By Brooklyn Nets
According to Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype, former Laker Maxwell Lewis was waived by the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
The Brooklyn Nets have waived Maxwell Lewis.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 27, 2025
Lewis was acquired by the Lakers on draft night in 2023 after the Denver Nuggets had selected him out of Pepperdine University with the No. 40 overall pick. While his time with the franchise was brief, Lewis appeared in 41 games for the Purple and Gold in the season and a half he was part of the organization. His inclusion in the trade with the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith helped seal the deal to acquire the veteran.
Once Lewis was allowed to see regular minutes as a member of the Nets, fans saw what Los Angeles's front office liked about the wing as a prospect. In 21 appearances for Brooklyn, Lewis averaged 5.3 points, while shooting 38% from beyond the arc, and 2.5 rebounds in just over 14 minutes per game.
Whether that time with the Nets was enough to make Lewis an attractive option for teams once free agency kicks off is anyone's guess. With his skill set, however, all Lewis could need is the right opportunity to come along in the form of a training camp invite to show his worth and earn his next deal.