Australian big man Andrew Bogut recently inked a one-year $2.3 Million veteran’s minimum deal with NBA glamour club Los Angeles Lakers.
The championship-winning Aussie has not played since March, after suffering a season-ending left tibia injury during his short tenure with eventual champions Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now that he’s been given a clean bill of health, Bogut chose to sign with a rebuilding team to reunite with Lakers head coach Luke Walton. Three other clubs, Minnesota, Cleveland and Boston showed interest, but Bogut must have seen a better opportunity with LA.
The news came as a surprise because the Lakers already have three bigs in the lineup, including newly-acquired centre Brook Lopez, sophomore Ivica Zubak and rookie Thomas Bryant as well as versatile forwards Julius Randle and Larry Nance, Jr, who could both play centre in a small ball lineup.
Bogut’s signing addresses a positional need and so much more. Below are five key things that he will bring to the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
1. Depth – Despite having only played 82 regular season games once in his twelve-year NBA career, the 7’0″ Bogut provides insurance to centre Lopez, who is expected to start in the upcoming season. Lopez could miss some time in the pre-season with another nagging back injury, and this could have prodded Lakers management to bring Bogut in. The Lakers may have plenty of bigs to go around but they don’t have the championship experience and veteran leadership that Bogut has. Which brings us to the next point.
2. Ring of experience – Lakers President Magic Johnson and GM Rob Pelinka are changing up the culture in LA, and Bogut’s championship pedigree matters. Bogut is only two years removed from his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors back in 2015. He was also a part of the 2016 Warriors team that lost the Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Only one other Lakers player has won a chip – third string swingman Corey Brewer with Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
3. Locker Room presence – Bogut has been through plenty of of ups and downs throughout his twelve-year career. The Lakers have a young roster with twelve players aged 25 years or younger, including four new rookies. The club is ill-equipped with experience. Bogut can make a huge impact in the locker room, mentor the younger bigs and lead by example on the court.
4. Familiarity with the system – Lakers head coach Luke Walton wants to implement the same system as to what the Golden State Warriors have. He tasted success when he filled in successfully for Steve Kerr and came up with a 39-4 win-loss record in 2015. Bogut happened to be Walton’s starting centre during that successful winning streak. Walton knows how to utilise Bogut, who is a very skilled and willing passer, and would compliment young guns Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. His addition could help propel the club and fast track Walton’s preferred system. And it all starts with defense.
5. Defensive mindset – If there is one thing Bogut can bring, its his toughness and defensive mindset to a lacklustre, defensively-challenged ball club. The Lakers were one of the worst defensive teams in the league, lacking sorely in rim protection and rebounding. Bogut has some nasty in him, and he addresses these needs.Throughout his career he has averaged 8.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He won’t get big minutes, but he knows what his role will be. Scrap, hustle and do the dirty work. Fits like a glove.
Marco Selorio is a serial entrepreneur, basketball writer, Master of Ceremonies, event director and promoter. Follow him on Facebook @marcoandreselorio and on Instagram @marcoselorio
