HoopsHype.com Rumors

After a breakout season in the European League, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM. Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too. RealGM

Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Free Agency, Gani Lawal 

Bryan Colangelo was yesterday in Rome to see the practice of Virtus. The president and GM of the Toronto Raptors talked with the three NBA prospects of Virtus at the end of practice: Gigi Datome, Gani Lawal and Jordan Taylor. Gigi Datome was the main reason of Colangelo's trip in the Italian capital. The captain of Virtus Roma could move to the NBA next season, despite one year remaining on his contract with Virtus. Sportando

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Italy, Gani Lawal, Virtus Roma, Jordan Taylor, Gigi Datome 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Forward Gani Lawal will replace Kenyon Martin with Xinjiang in China Basketball Association, source tells Y! Lawal was late cut of Spurs. Twitter

Free Agency, Kenyon Martin, China, Gani Lawal 

The Spurs waived forward Gani Lawal on Thursday, dropping their roster to the maximum 15 well in advance of the Christmas Eve deadline for roster cuts. It doesn’t necessarily mean the Spurs are finished trimming, however. Lawal, a 6-foot-9 former Phoenix Suns draft pick attempting a comeback from a knee injury, played 20 minutes in Wednesday’s preseason finale against Houston and was active, but also shot just 1-of-6 from the field. Lawal’s departure after a 10-day audition leaves undrafted rookies Frank Hassell and Luke Zeller vying for the fifth big man role. San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Free Agency, Gani Lawal 

Gary Washburn: The #Spurs waive former Georgia Tech standout Gani Lawal Twitter

San Antonio Spurs, Gani Lawal 

The Suns waived Vince Carter and Gani Lawal today. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Vince Carter, Gani Lawal 

Lawal leaves Tuesday to join his new club after signing a contract that includes an out allowing him to return to the NBA when and if there is a lockout settlement. He is the first Suns player to sign an overseas deal during the lockout. "It's a good opportunity for me to get good minutes," said Lawal, who has been training at Georgia Tech and started playing pickup games two weeks ago. "That's the biggest thing -- to get in playing form. I haven't competed in so long. I'm hungry. I'm young in this game and thankful to have a situation to get in game rhythm. "The NBA is where I want to be but I'm very thankful for Poland and this organization to give me the opportunity. I'm waiting on the NBA, just like the rest of the 450 players." Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Lockout, Gani Lawal, Poland 

Lawal said he has Suns teammate Marcin Gortat, Poland's only NBA player, on speed dial to find out information about where he is headed. Lawal said he had other offers but his agent, Andy Miller, said this one was a good match based on the playing opportunity he will get and a "respectable" salary. "They were looking for a forward to go next to (former Cornell center) Jeff Foote," Miller said. "It's a good opportunity to gain some experience and stay in shape. He's been training and rehabbing for seven and a half months. It's time for him to compete at a high level. "It's replacing what would usually be under the auspices of the Phoenix Suns right now. In essence, it's a professional simulation of what he'd get in Phoenix." Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Lockout, Gani Lawal, Poland 

Suns power forward Gani Lawal signed to play for Polish club Zastal Zielona Gora but has an out clause in his contract to return to the NBA if the lockout ends. Lawal's contract with Phoenix is not guaranteed for the coming season. He made one appearance in a Suns game last season. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Gani Lawal 

ASM Sports: Congratulations to Gani Lawal, who has decided to play with Zastal in Poland! Twitter

Lockout, Gani Lawal, Poland, Zastal 

Lawal has been the most frequent Suns resident at US Airways Center since the season ended in mid-April. The 2010 second-round pick will complete the final month of his knee rehabilitation elsewhere in the Valley now that the lockout prohibits players from receiving treatment from team personnel. The Suns might have bigger hopes for this year's power forward draft pick, Markieff Morris, but Lawal has big plans for himself with the team. "I think I'll really be able to help us next year," Lawal said after one of his weekday workouts. "I really do believe that in my heart. I'm looking forward to getting out there." Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Gani Lawal 

Lawal is running at about 80 percent with some controlled jumping and doing limited basketball activity on the court, including working on his jump shot with assistant coach Dan Majerle. "My shot's getting a lot better," Lawal said. "I'm working on that 15-footer, especially with the pick-and-roll with Steve (Nash). That'll set me up for going to the cup. Once i get to the cup, you already know what's going down. Take her down and put it over a guy's head." Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Gani Lawal 

Suns rookie power forward Gani Lawal will need season-ending surgery on his right knee after an injury he suffered in practice Thursday. Lawal said he hurt the knee when he was planted and getting ready to jump during practice. He left the arena on crutches and a MRI exam later revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a partially torn medial collateral ligament. Lawal, 22, said he had never suffered a knee injury previously. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Injuries, Gani Lawal 

Suns rookie power forward Gani Lawal will be assigned to the team's D-League affiliate in Iowa. Lawal was on the active roster for the first time in Monday's win against Denver but Earl Clark was the one to pick more playing time in Robin Lopez's absence and before Earl Barron signs with the Suns today. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, D-League, Gani Lawal 

There were no guarantees for Gani Lawal as a second-round draft choice of the Suns in June, or as an NBA Summer League player in July. August opened with a big guarantee for Lawal. On Sunday he signed a three-year contract with the Suns, who made his rookie season's minimum salary of $473,604 fully guaranteed in order to keep his rights with partial guarantees in the next two seasons. NBA teams are required to sign only first-round draft picks to guaranteed deals. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Draft, Gani Lawal 

"We've got a great opportunity for him and us, because he has the opportunity to develop," Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said. "It gives us an opportunity to watch an important asset develop, which is what you want with your draft picks." Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Draft, Lon Babby, Gani Lawal 

The Suns agreed to contract terms with second-round draft pick, Gani Lawal, and an announcement of his signing should come Monday. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Gani Lawal