Jan 23, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Carlos Boozer (5) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward
Aron Baynes(16) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
5. Carlos Boozer
With Kobe Bryant out, Boozer is really the only other player besides Swaggy P that can create his own shot. Although his defense and rebounding are both sub par, he still has a solid fade-away jumper, that is nearly impossible to block. Boozer has only scored in double digits once in his last six games, and has recorded double digit rebounds once in his last eight games.
Boozer started out the season as a starter, but it did not take long for Ed Davis to prove that he is much more active on the court. It was mostly Boozer’s defense that brought him to the bench, but it wasn’t all bad. Moving Boozer to the bench allowed him to get more touches in the post, and he responded quite nicely. The former All-Star averaged 13.4 points over his next 12 games, and scored 15 or more 5 times.
Boozer has been given consistent minutes this season by Coach Byron Scott, and continues to be one of the Lakers’ better offensive players. Boozer was signed to a one year deal, meaning he will hit the free agent market after this season. Turning 34 early into next season won’t help his case to remain with the team, and an old player on the decline is the last thing a team in a re-building period wants.
Next: 4. Ed Davis