LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Los Angeles Lakers, who lost to the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association finals, made qualifying offers Monday to Ronny Turiaf of France and Sasha Vujacic of Slovenia.
Both European players are restricted free agents, meaning they can sign with another team under NBA rules but the Lakers would then have the right to keep them by matching any offer from another club.
Turiaf, a veteran forward, averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 78 games this past season for the Lakers while 24-year-old Slovenian sharpshooter Vujacic, a guard, scored 8.8 points a game over 72 appearances.
Both played key reserve roles during the Lakers' run to the NBA Finals, which ended with a loss in six games to the Celtics in the best-of-seven championship series.
Vujacic hit 7-of-10 shots from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, to score 20 points and help the Lakers beat Boston 87-81 in game three.
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