Upshaw will likely be last on the Lakers’ depth chart at the position if he joins the main roster.
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The Lakers ended a couple months of speculation and announced the signing of center Robert Upshaw to a multi-year contract.
The undrafted center averaged 10.9 points and 8.2 rebounds in almost 25 minutes of action at the University of Washington last season before being dismissed after 19 games for a violation of team rules.
Although Upshaw was kicked out of two college programs with stints with Fresno State and Washington, many believe he has lottery-level talent and could be a steal for the Lakers.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Daily News last July, Upshaw said he has matured and already learned. “I learned things about authority, how to listen instead of talk, how not to have excuses and always have the answer. I learned that and learned it quick”. Upshaw had the longest wingspan at this year’s pre-draft combine, measuring 7-foot-5 1/2. Those physical factors and Upshaw’s collegiate issues caused him to drop off many teams’ boards.
The 21-year-old played five games for the Lakers at this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 1.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 11.5 minutes per game.
Upshaw is an extremely talented prospect, but he went undrafted after getting booted from two different schools.
Bleacher Report suggested that he might spend time in the National Basketball Association Developmental League (D-League) with the Los Angeles D-Fenders, perhaps before making it to the team.
Still, with Hibbert around to help teach Upshaw the ins and outs of verticality, this could be a smart long-term fit.
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With the inclusion of Robert Upshaw, the Lakers’ roster has increased to 18 members, with 12 men having fully guaranteed contracts.
