The Los Angeles Lakers have claimed Tarik Black off waivers and waived Xavier Henry.

Black played for the Houston Rockets this season.

The Houston Rockets have waived Tarik Black to create a roster spot for Josh Smith.

There are several teams interested in claiming Black, making it unlikely the Rockets will have to pay his salary.

The Rockets hope Smith will pass his physical and play in Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Philadelphia 76ers are the only team under the cap with enough space to claim Josh Smith off waivers.

But the 76ers have zero interest in claiming Smith, who was released by the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The 76ers have been opportunistic in acquiring assets under Sam Hinkie.

The Detroit Pistons have waived Josh Smith.

Smith is owed $26 million over the next two seasons and the Pistons will use the stretch provision on his contract to give the team some cap relief.

The Sacramento Kings made multiple overtures to sign Smith in the offseason, but Stan Van Gundy wanted to try to make his frontcourt of Smith, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe work.

“Our team has not performed the way we had expected throughout the first third of the season and adjustments need to be made in terms of our focus and direction,” said Van Gundy.  “We are shifting priorities to aggressively develop our younger players while also expanding the roles of other players in the current rotation to improve performance and build for our future.  As we expand certain roles, others will be reduced.  In fairness to Josh, being a highly versatile 10-year veteran in this league, we feel it’s best to give him his freedom to move forward.  We have full respect for Josh as a player and a person.”

Marc Stein reports that the Pistons aggressively shopped Smith in recent weeks, but the Kings were the only team to show any real interest.

The Philadelphia 76ers will release Ronny Turiaf.

Turiaf was acquired by the 76ers in a three-team trade on Friday.

The Houston Rockets will release Francisco Garcia.

Garcia will make way with the Rockets acquiring Corey Brewer and Alexey Shved.

The New Orleans Pelicans have waived Gal Mekel.

Mekel, 6-3, 191, was signed by the team on December 5 as an unrestricted free agent. Mekel appeared in four games with New Orleans, averaging 1.5 points and 3.3 assists.

New Orleans’ roster now stands at 14.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed free agent forward Ronald Roberts from their NBA Development League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers.  

Roberts is the 11th Call-Up of the 2014-15 NBA Development League season. 

Roberts started all eight games for the Sevens so far this season, averaging team-highs of 18 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 67% from the floor.  He was also on the Sixers roster during the preseason and the Orlando Pro Summer League.

The 76ers have also waive Jorge Gutierrez.

The Philadelphia 76ers waived Malcolm Lee on Thursday, the team announced.

Lee was recently signed out of the NBA D-League.

The Philadelphia 76ers have waived Drew Gordon to sign Malcolm Lee from the D-League.

Gordon played collegiately at UCLA and then New Mexico.