The NBA career of veteran Aussie big man Andrew Bogut lives to ride another season.
32-year-old Bogut has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports from The Vertical.
Free agent center Andrew Bogut has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, agent David Bauman of ISE tells The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 19, 2017
Bogut has not stepped foot on an NBA court since breaking his leg mere minutes into his debut game as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers back in March of this year. However, scans on his leg received last week provided good news for the 213cm centre, with full medical clearance paving the way for him to re-start his NBA career.
Bogut was waived by the Cavs in mid-March after suffering the injury, one of a number of contact injuries Bogut has dealt with throughout his reasonably stop-start NBA career. But his numbers when fit are among the league’s best, and he has stamped his reputation as an elite defensive player, particularly during his time with the Golden State Warriors which culminated in the 2015 NBA Championship.
Having not played since March, Bogut has been rehabilitating his injured leg in his hometown of Melbourne.
The Lakers are in the middle of rebuilding their roster around this year’s number two overall draft pick Lonzo Ball. Bogut faces minor competition in the centre position with the side’s roster also sporting Brook Lopez, but his veteran presence will likely be seen as a big asset on a roster that skews extremely young.
Head coach Luke Walton previously served as an assistant coach for Golden State during Bogut’s time in the Bay Area.
Given how long Bogut has been in the NBA system, the minimum amount he can sign for is US$2.32million per season.
