Golden State Warriors: Former Warrior Andrew Bogut signs with Lakers

Former Golden State Warrior Andrew Bogut has signed a one-year lifeline with the Los Angeles Lakers. How does this impact both the Lakers and the Warriors?

Former Golden State Warriors big man Andrew Bogut has signed a one-year lifeline with Pacific rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the deal is for the veterans minimum. According to Shelburne, the “Lakers needed rim protection/passing & liked that he knows Walton’s system”. While the deal is partially guaranteed, per Shelburne, the Lakers plan on him being “a big part of the team”. He makes history as the first Australian Laker, and will likely back up Brook Lopez at center.

Why was Bogut signed?

It is clear as to why the Lakers signed Bogut. At the league veteran’s minimum of $2.32 million, he is a low cost gamble for the up-and-coming Lakers team. The deal is team-friendly, as he is a Championship big-man with a wealth of experience.

Furthermore, Bogut knows how to fit in Walton’s system. Playing under coach Luke Walton at the Warriors for half of the 2015/16 season, he should fit in pretty quickly. Additionally, the one-year deal means the Lakers will have a nice asset in Bogut to use as trade bait. If (and this is a big if) he can stay healthy, the former Warrior will be a steal.

What will he bring to the Lakers?

Bogut is an elite passer who will complement Lonzo Ball’s passing prowess nicely. However, the defensive end is where he will shine.

He is an imposing interior presence, which is much-needed by the Lakers. With average defenders Brook Lopez and Julius Randle shaping up to play big minutes, his talent will be welcomed.  If he can stay healthy, the defensive ability that saw him play a huge role in the Warriors 2014/15 title run will be a huge asset for the Lakers.

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Bogut will also provide highly valued mentorship to young big-men such as Randle, Thomas Bryant and Ivica Zubac.

Someone with the skills and experience of Bogut will be invaluable to these players, and the team as a whole. He looks set to emerge as a real locker-room leader, and this should be a low-risk, high-reward move.

How will the signing impact the Warriors?

Bogut joins the Warriors’ Pacific Division rivals in the Lakers. Due to this, the Warriors and Bogut look set to clash four times this season.

The reason I say “look set” is because he is highly injury prone. His last time on an NBA court saw him break his leg in just 17 seconds, in his debut game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His entire career has been plagued by injury, and this has largely limited his potential. It would be quite an accomplishment if he remains healthy all season.

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The Bogut singing really shouldn’t have much of an impact on the Warriors at all. He is unlikely to play big minutes, especially behind Lopez and some of the younger big-men.

Additionally, the Lakers are unlikely to provide any sort of competition for the Warriors, as the Warriors look primed to once again dominate the Western Conference. Bogut is a great pick-up, but he won’t shift the fortunes of the Lakers franchise.

What do you think of the Lakers signing former Warrior Andrew Bogut? Comment below!