Since former Lakers big man Pau Gasol is now a member of the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers were left searching for a new power forward. The wait is over. The Lakers have agreed to terms with former Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer via the NBA’s amnesty clause. Boozer will sign with the Lakers for a little over $3 million for this season.
According to the LA Times,
The Bulls waived Boozer this week through the so-called amnesty provision, which requires the team to still owe his $16.8 million left on his remaining contract albeit without the money costing against the team’s salary cap. The Lakers’ bid price, which has not been reported at this time, offsets the balance that the Bulls still owe the 12-year NBA veteran.
Boozer averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds through 76 appearances with the Bulls, but he faced reduced playing time amid concerns about his defense. The Lakers currently have nine players under contract, including Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Robert Sacre, Jeremy Lin, Julius Randle, Nick Young, Ed Davis, Jordan Hill and Boozer. The Lakers also have non-guaranteed deals to Kendall Marshall and Jordan Clarkson, both of whom are expected to stay on the roster.
This move appears appealing for the Lakers both because of Boozer’s potential and his expiring contract. The NBA’s current labor deal prohibits players picked up through an amnesty claim, such as Boozer, to be traded at any point during the season.
Talk about trading places. Stay tuned to HHS1987 for all your NBA news.
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