Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bogut signing bad news for Ivica Zubac

The Los Angeles Lakers signing of Andrew Bogut is bad news for Ivica Zubac.

The Los Angeles Lakers surprisingly jumped back into free agency late Monday night. It was a move that came out of nowhere, as the Lakers reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with free agent center, Andrew Bogut.

The Lakers begin training camp next week, so it was surprising to see a new player added. The deal is partially guaranteed, so Bogut will have to earn a spot on the roster in training camp and preseason.

It was a shocking announcement to hear that the Lakers were bringing in another center. They looked to be set at the position for training camp. Brook Lopez was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, and will most likely be the starting center. They also have youngsters Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant signed, and Stephen Zimmerman signed for training camp.

While the Lakers seemed set at center, Bogut is at the point of his career where he is looking to win championships. He won a ring with the Golden State Warriors and was respected enough by the team that they helped him get to a team he wanted to play with int he Dallas Mavericks via trade.

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Bogut was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, who bought him out. He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but broke his leg in his first appearance with the team, ending his season.

It was a disappointing end for Bogut, but it wasn’t the end. Many people believed that Bogut would sign with another contender, hoping to win another ring. The Lakers are up and coming, but they are far from a title contender. That is what makes the signing a peculiar one, and is bad news for Ivica Zubac.

Zubac showed a lot of promise last season when he was unexpectedly pushed into playing time as a 19-year old rookie. However, he struggled this summer in the Las Vegas Summer League. He was well aware of his struggles, as he looked out place with the Lakers looking to pus the pace.

The addition of Bogut could be a sign that the Lakers do not have full trust in Zubac, at least not yet. Bogut would not have signed here unless he had a legitimate chance at playing time. With other contenders such as the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics showing interest, it is surprising to see the Lakers come out ahead.

One reason for Bogut coming to Los Angeles is Luke Walton. Walton was on the coaching staff with the Warriors when Bogut was there. That relationship was a big draw for Bogut.

For the Lakers, Bogut will shore them up in the middle if he makes the team. He has struggled to stay healthy, but when on the court, he gives the Lakers a defensive presence in the middle none of the current centers on the roster can provide. He is also a great passer, something the Lakers put an emphasis on this offseason.

Zubac still has a bright future in the NBA, but he may sit on the sideline more than expected this season. He has a great opportunity to learn from Bogut and Lopez, and both will undoubtedly receive rest days. Zubac will receive his chances, but he will more than likely be a distant third on the depth chart after those veterans.

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Bogut’s skill set on the court and experience as a veteran on the bench for a young team is important. He has a lot to offer even if he isn’t playing heavy minutes. However, if he makes the team, the minutes he does earn will come at the expense of Zubac.

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