The Lakers and Robert Upshaw have envisioned a future
together through the next 2 years, but Upshaw with general
manager Mitch Kupchak, met on Thursday to discuss it.
This should hopefully clarify their partnership. The Lakers
and Upshaw agreed to a general framework of a deal a
wk. ago but nothing has been finalized. Upshaw was projected
as a lottery pick after averaging 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds
and 4.5 blocks in 19 games with the University of Wash.
last season. But he went undrafted after Fresno State,
so Washington kicked him off their teams for undisclosed
violations of team rules. Through 3 summer league games
with the Lakers, he has averaged 2.7 rebounds, & 1.3
blocks in 13.7 minutes off the bench.
The Lakers currently have 2 centers, including All-Star Roy
Hibbert and backup Robert Sacre. Tarik Black has also
played at center, but coach Byron Scott views him more
as a power forward.
Kind of fun last night viewing the game against Utah.
Saw glimpses of our former coach sitting there,
Phil Jackson. Looks good. Wonder, suppose maybe
our Jeanie joined him? Lakers were able to hold
their own throughout most of the game, with ties
even but lost it at final shots. Saw Jordan Clarkson
playing to the hilt. The congratulatory text messages
flooded his cell phone. Among well wishers was
Clarkson's personal trainer, Drew Hanlen, who
witnessed his client working endlessly to prove
his worth in a league that initially had doubted him.
The Lakers drafted D'Angelo Russell, who will be
starting at point guard and will handle most of
the ball--handling duties. Kobe Bryant will also
return after nursing a right shoulder injury that
limited him last season to 35 games.
Mitch Kupchak said that our team really does seem
to like Clarkson as he was a mighty good player for
us this year on a very bad team.
In fact here is the run-down for Jordan Clarkson in
Summer League.
July 15: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 for 13 field goals.
July 13: 13 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 for 14 field goals
July 11: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 for 16 field goals
July 10 2.3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 8 for 17 field goals.
Having Jordan Clarkson on our Laker team gives us all hope.
BABS WELLS
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