Lakers release former Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams

Johnathan Williams made a spirited bid in the preseason to make the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster, but the former Gonzaga Bulldog was released Saturday.

Williams’ time with the organization probably isn’t over. He could end up with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’s G League squad.

The 6-foot-9 forward had 14 points and 12 rebounds in a preseason victory over Golden State on Friday. Williams shot just under 50 percent while averaging 6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in the preseason. The undrafted Williams also played on the Lakers summer league team.

Williams led Gonzaga in scoring (13.4 points) and rebounding (8.5) last season. Gonzaga was 69-7 in Williams’ two seasons.

The Lakers also released Scott Machado, who signed Friday and never suited up. The team opens the regular season at Portland on Thursday.