The Los Angeles Lakers are adding yet another power forward to their roster, acquiring former Chicago Bull Carlos Boozer off of amnesty waivers.
Boozer became available for silent bidding when the Bulls released him via the amnesty clause on Tuesday. By doing so, the team freed up the necessary space to complete the recent signings of Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic.
Nine total teams had the cap space to submit the minimum $1.44 million bid on Boozer, and the Lakers’ winning bid was for $3.25 million. Chicago will still have to pay the remaining $13.6 million he is owed on the last year of what was originally a five-year, $80 million contract signed with Chicago in the summer of 2010.
ESPN sources say that Lakers won Carlos Boozer auction with a high bid of $3.25 million
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 17, 2014
Boozer, a twelve-year NBA veteran, saw his production dip last season, averaging just 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds while playing 28 minutes per game. The 32-year-old has career averages of 16.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest.
Boozer tweeted the following on Tuesday when he was informed by the team that he was being amnestied.
Wanna Say Thank You To The Bulls Organization!!! Thank You For The Last Four Years!!! pic.twitter.com/7YuxGugeT0
— Carlos Boozer (@MisterCBooz) July 15, 2014
While having a player of his caliber on the books for only $3.25 million is a tremendous bargain, it is a surprising move for a Lakers team that now has five power forwards on its roster. With Carlos Boozer, Julius Randle, Ryan Kelly, Jordan Hill, and the recent addition of Ed Davis, the team is definitely not lacking for big men.
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Main Photo via USA Today Sports
