Andrew Bogut has finally found a team to play for this coming 2017-18 NBA Season. The Australian big man has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting him with former coach Luke Walton. Both had previously worked together with the Golden State Warriors.
Bogut has reportedly agreed to a veteran’s minimum of $2.3 million. This was revealed by the player’s agent David Bauman via Twitter. According to ESPN, the deal is not fully guaranteed.
Will Bogut hold up?
In a previous post, it was mentioned that at least four teams were interested in the services of Bogut.
The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared like a sensible destination, seeing how Bogut’s former team was in need of some help up front.
With all that irrelevant right now, the 32-year-old joins his fifth team since entering the league in 2005. He adds more ceiling and rim protection for the Lakers, assuming he stays healthy.
Injuries have hampered Bogut from playing flawlessly throughout an NBA season. His tenure with the Cavs was the most forgettable one, a stint where barely saw a minute of action.
To recall, Bogut collided with Okaro White of the Miami Heat in his very first game back in February. The Aussie suffered a broken leg and missed the rest of the 2016-17 NBA season. In previous seasons, Bogut has also had other injuries tied up to his wrist, elbow and his ankles.
At 32, it will be interesting if Bogut can play at the same level. He will be surrounded by younger players, somewhat similar to the time he was still with the Warriors. The Lakers also have Brook Lopez; someone Bogut will likely spell.
Health and the Luke Walton factor
One of the bright spots for Bogut would be his reunion with Walton.
Having worked together in Golden State from 2014-2016, the familiarity between the two is expected to factor in and hopefully render results.
This is assuming that Bogut can last the season and prove effective. He does have 12 years of NBA experience under his belt. But with the spate of injuries, he has endured, some apprehension on his durability come to mind.
Given that he has been through multiple injuries, the Lakers inherit a player who has likely slowed down. Other than that, Bogut is expected to play more conservatively as he hopes to get his NBA career back on track.
Since leaving the Bucks back in 2012, Bogut has struggled. His best years were from 2010-11, averaging a career-best 15.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
With the Lakers, recalling that old form may be a tall order. The best he can do is help out at the defensive end to help jumpstart the expected run-and-gun game of the "Lakeshow."
