Free-agent point guard Ty Lawson is reportedly expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, according to The Vertical:
The Houston Rockets and Lawson completed a contract buyout on Tuesday, and Lawson cleared waivers on Thursday. The pairing was an odd fit from the start, as Lawson never meshed with James Harden as a starter, and couldn't find his rhythm as a bench scorer either. Overall, Lawson averaged 5.8 points on 38.7 percent shooting and 3.4 assists in 22.2 minutes per game with the Rockets -- numbers lower than his rookie season.
The Pacers (32-29, 7th in East) have been in desperate need of a quality backup point guard, and Lawson can theoretically spell George Hill for 15-20 minutes per game without losing much on the offensive end (defensive is an entirely different story).
Lawson was in the mix for top-10 point guard status as recently as last season, when he averaged 15.2 points and 9.6 assists per game with the Denver Nuggets. Perhaps he can turn things around and fit in better with the Pacers as the steal of buyout season.
To make room for Lawson, Indiana is reportedly waiving forward Chase Budinger, who is expected to have several suitors, on Saturday.
Jovan Buha covers the NBA for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @jovanbuha.
