Lakers: Robert Upshaw’s Contract Terminated by D-Fenders

Lakers fan-favorite Robert Upshaw’s contract with the D-Fenders has been terminated for Anti-Drug violation

Robert Upshaw showed a ton of promise for the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason before ultimately being one of the final cuts before the regular season and then taking up residence in the NBA D-League with the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Unfortunately, all of the talent in the world wasn’t enough for Upshaw to make it, at least for now, as his contract has been terminated by the D-League.

On Friday, the D-League announced in a press release that Upshaw’s contract with the D-Fenders had been terminated after a violation of the league’s Anti-Drug Policy:

Though there is no word as to what Upshaw’s violation entails, it’s worth noting that dismissals for failed drug tests are not something new to the Lakers prospect and fan favorite. In college, he was a lottery-talent that went ultimately undrafted after he was dismissed from both Fresno State and Washington due to failed drug tests.

Despite his struggles in that regard, the lottery-type talent has always been evident with Upshaw as a legit seven-footer with the ability to score well and with tremendous skill for a guy his size and the ability to rebound and defend at a quality level. In his 28 games played for the D-Fenders as a rookie this season, Upshaw put up an impressive 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in only 15.6 minutes per contest.

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The talent and the size aren’t going anywhere for Upshaw, but the center obviously has some growth and maturing ahead of him if he plans to return to professional basketball, be it for the Lakers or another team or system in the NBA. As a player who developed a cult-like following among Lakers fans in the preseason and throughout his time with the D-Fenders, let’s hope the big man can pull it together and work his way back to the league.