Reading Between the Lines of LA Lakers’ Carlos Boozer Acquisition

Even though it may appear to be confusing on the surface, the Los Angeles Lakers claiming former Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer off amnesty waivers was another example of the Lakers intelligently using their cap space to upgrade the talent of the roster without assuming any risk.  

ESPN sources say that Lakers won Carlos Boozer auction with a high bid of $3.25 million

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 17, 2014 Although Boozer seems like a shaky fit as a veteran player joining a fringe playoff contender, you can read between the lines and analyze what his addition means for the Lakers and what it is signaling to other free agents and current Lakers players. 

One of the reasons this acquisition stands out is because the Lakers have already focused so heavily on the frontcourt this offseason. After using their first-round pick on Julius Randle, they re-signed Jordan Hill and picked up Ed Davis, seemingly solidifying the power forward position.

While Carlos Boozer is clearly a 4, he does offer up a different skill set than the players currently on the roster. Boozer is the most accomplished post scorer of the trio by a large margin, and his ability to face up and knock in mid-range jumpers will be valuable next to both Hill and Davis.



Boozer isn't a good defender, but over the years, he's been useful (like everyone else) in Tom Thibodeau's defensive system. You'd like to think he picked up some knowledge there, and, while every system is different, and the Lakers still don't have a coach, he might not be as bad as he's painted.

For what it's worth, Bulls general manager Gar Forman was very appreciative of what Boozer brought to the organization, as he explained in a statement:

Carlos epitomized professionalism in everything he did for the Bulls both on the court, and in the community, during his time here in Chicago. Over the last four seasons, ...

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