Friday, July 18, 2014

Reports: Lakers win Carlos Boozer amnesty waiver bid - CBSSports.com

Carlos Boozer reportedly is picked up by the Lakers. (USATSI) Carlos Boozer reportedly is picked up by the Lakers. (USATSI)

More Offseason Analysis: Updating Free Agency news | Free Agent tracker

Multiple outlets report that the Lakers have won the amnesty auction for Carlos Boozer, who was waived by the Bulls using the amnesty provision. That means the Lakers outbid other teams for Boozer's services.

So... this is a little weird. Boozer is a veteran, and the Lakers did want to put together a decent team next season, but haven't put the money out to really improve the team. They'll be fine, probably not good, but slightly competitive. But the addition of Boozer puts a roadblock in front of first-round pick Julius Randle. And that doesn't make any sense.

Boozer effectively is a swap with Pau Gasol, who was signed by Chicago. That's a significant downgrade, but Boozer may honestly be better defensively at this point.

It's a cheap option, though, and it gives Kobe Bryant a big he won't want to punch in the face three times a game. ESPN reports that it's a $3.2 million winning bid for the last year of his contract.

How Boozer fits with the longterm goals of the franchise, and whether he would be a better fit as a roleplayer on a true contender remains to be seen.

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