Former Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bogut is returning home, reportedly agreeing to a deal with the Sydney Kings of the NBL of Austrailia.
The Los Angeles Lakers were a surprise landing spot for center Andrew Bogut. Bogut signed with the team right before training camp kicked off in September. It was thought to be a shrewd signing by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka because of the intangibles that Bogut brings to the court.
As a veteran, the Lakers were hopeful that Bogut could bring some much-needed experience to the roster. He could provide leadership and an example to follow for the younger players. Most importantly, he would also bring a defensive mindset that the team had lacked for multiple seasons.
Bogut is regarded as a strong defender. He was the All-Defensive team in 2014-15, led the NBA in blocks in 2010-11 and is an NBA Champion.
It was working, as the Lakers were better with Bogut on the court. In 23 games in Los Angeles, Bogut had an offensive rating of 106 and a defensive rating of 104, according to Basketball-Reference.com.
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However, on Jan. 6, the Lakers waived Bogut. He was hoping to land with a contending team and make another run at a ring. Those plans changed, as Bogut decided to remain with his pregnant wife instead of pursuing a deal with another NBA team.
Given his production with the Lakers, it is likely Bogut would have found a team to play for. In 9.4 minutes per game, Bogut averaged 1.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Not eye-popping, but he showed he at least had something left in the tank to offer to a team. Now, we know which team that will be.
Bogut will be returning home, exchanging one version of purple and gold for another.
According to their official Twitter account, Bogut has agreed to a deal with the Sydney Kings of the NBL in Australia.
The NBL has received paperwork from the @SydneyKings for Andrew Bogut. We are following the Standard Player Contract process as we do for all players.
— NBL (@NBL) April 23, 2018
This is a great landing spot for Bogut. It is a homecoming for him, as he was born in Melbourne, Austrailia. While Bogut will be there for the foreseeable future, this deal does not necessarily mean he will not be returning to the NBA at some point.
If Bogut does return to the NBA, it is unlikely that it would be with the Lakers. The team spoke highly of Bogut as a mentor to the younger players, but there just isn’t room for him on the roster.
Los Angeles already has two young centers in Thomas Bryant and Ivica Zubac on the team. Depending on how things go this summer in free agency, that number could even grow.
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At this point in his career, Bogut’s return to the NBA would probably be for a contending team in which he could give spot minutes to in a pinch.