After going undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft, Appling joined the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2014 NBA Summer League. On September 23, 2014, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, but was later waived on October 20. On November 1, he was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders as an affiliate player of the Lakers. On March 7, 2015, he was traded to the Erie BayHawks in exchange for the returning player rights to Cleveland Melvin. In 38 D-League games in 2014–15 (28 for Los Angeles, 10 for Erie), Appling averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 24.4 minutes per game.