The Los Angeles Lakers made a surprising move recently by signing veteran center Andrew Bogut. The team already had a crowded frontcourt with Ivica Zubac, Thomas Bryant, and Brook Lopez at the five spot making the signing of Bogut curious.
However, Bogut has already made an impact on the Lakers with Brandon Ingram singing his praises after practice on Tuesday.
“He makes a big difference,” Ingram said of Bogut. “His defensive presence around the rim. Had a lot of blocked shots. On the offensive end, he can pass the ball. He's a smart guy. He helps us in our offense run plays and run it fluidly, so it's good to add another big around the rim.”
Bogut has been dealing with a groin issue which has kept him off the practice floor with his teammates until today. The 32-year-old was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and clearly left an impression if Ingram's comments are any indication.
Head coach Luke Walton was asked whether the veteran would be his backup center heading into the 2017-18 campaign.
“We don't have official positions like that,” Walton said of Bogut. “We're going to go by matchups. We're going to see how it goes. He hasn't played a lot in training camp so far, so obviously coming off his broken leg, we have to see how he's moving. See if there's still some rust there. Although, today he was pretty damn impressive at what he was doing, but no official position like that right now.”
On Monday, Bogut was listed inactive along with Julius Randle went the team's roster was announced. This would keep him out for the team's season opener on Thursday, but that stance could change.
Lopez is currently expected to be the starter at the center position with no clear indication as to who will be backing him up. That task could easily fall to Bogut or Zubac come Thursday night.
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