Lakers Officially Re-Sign Center Tarik Black

August 24 may be “Kobe Bryant Day” in LA, but Lakers’ center, Tarik Black has a completely different reason to celebrate

Recently inking rookie Brandon Ingram and Chinese prospect Yi Jianlian to deals, the Lakers made good on their promise finally re-signing center, Tarik Black on Wednesday.

Averaging 9.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per 36 minutes, Black will likely serve as a backup center for Luke Walton behind Timofey Mozgov but in front of newly signed Jialian.

Per the Lakers official website:

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"The 24-year-old Black averaged 9.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on 60.5% shooting after being reinserted into the starting lineup at center in 2014-15, and finished his rookie season ranked second amongst all first year players in offensive rebounds per game and third in total rebounds per game. On April 12, 2015, he grabbed a career-high 19 rebounds, becoming the first Lakers rookie since Leroy Ellis in 1963 to record that many rebounds in a game."

Last season, one of the causes that had fans up in arm was Black’s lack of playing time, as he was often left on the bench for Ryan Kelly.

That said, Black’s main reason for re-signing with the team was new coach, Luke Walton’s insistence that he would be given a “fair shot” this season. It also helped that the two had a history, as Walton coached Black when he was at the University of Memphis in 2011.

Despite last season’s adversity, complaining was never Black’s forte, instead continuing to work hard regardless of his situation. This is one of the qualities that has carried over to this offseason as he’s been one of the young Lakers constantly seen at the training facility.

"It taught me so much and prepared me to be the player I’m going to be moving forward… I definitely learned patience and perseverance. It’s tough mentally to still work hard in all situations. Throughout the season, I continued to work and always stayed competitive when I got on the floor."

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Depending on the seriousness of Mozgov’s Olympic injury, though unlikely, Black could possibly get the starting nod on opening night, only time will tell.