The Los Angeles Lakers strengthened their frontcourt but also took a risk by signing undrafted center Robert Upshaw to a multi-year contract, no financial information about the deal was released.
Upshaw last played collegiate basketball for Washington where he averaged a nation-leading 4.5 blocks per game together with 10.2 points and 8.2 rebounds.
Unfortunately, a team violation got Upshaw dismissed from the university's basketball program, a second time for him as he was also dismissed by Fresno State after his freshman year.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Daily News last July, Upshaw said he has matured and already learned.
Despite the off-court controversies, the Lakers decided to sign the 21-year-old center who spent his NBA Summer League stint with the team this offseason.
Upshaw played five games for the Lakers in this year's Summer League and averaged 1.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 11.5 minutes of action per contest.
The seven-footer will now join former All-Star Roy Hibbert, Robert Sacre, and Tarik Black as the Lakers' centers.
Upshaw will likely be last on the Lakers' depth chart at the position if he joins the main roster.
Bleacher Report suggested that he might spend time in the NBA Developmental League (D-League) with the Los Angeles D-Fenders, perhaps before making it to the team.
Along with Upshaw, Euroleague veteran Marcelo Huertas was also signed by Los Angeles this September.
The Lakers will begin training camp this month in Hawaii since they have two preseason games there, both against the Utah Jazz, early in October.
Signing in Upshaw and Huertas gives the Lakers a total of 18 players, two less of the maximum for training camp.
Following their games against Utah in Hawaii, the Lakers will head back to the United States and will play six more preseason games before opening their season hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center on Oct. 28.
