Friday was a busy day for the Los Angeles Lakers.
First, the team introduced two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. Boozer was awarded to the Lakers after the team made a successful bid to claim the former Chicago Bulls forward off waivers. The 32-year-old described himself as a “spring chicken” and appeared energized by the move to Los Angeles.
Boozer said he was working out in the gym when he learned he was going to LA, and the “spring chicken” began to jump around. Boozer said he was “ecstatic” when he heard the news and said he “absolutely” expected to be a starter.
“‘Come ready. Come ready to lead. Come ready to surprise some people,’” he described the message Kobe Bryant delivered after Boozer was assigned to the Lakers. “His drive to win is contagious.”
Shortly after Boozer’s press conference wrapped up, ESPN reported that the Lakers were negotiating with Byron Scott, whom was the leading candidate, for the Lakers’ vacant coaching position. Scott had previously met with the Lakers on three occasions, but the team had balked at making a decision on the coaching vacancy for nearly three months.
On Friday, however, several sources confirmed that Scott had been offered the position and both sides were working and negotiating the terms. With the coaching search drawing to a close, the final contracts needed to be signed, and the Lakers’ front office did not waste much time.
Late Friday afternoon, the Lakers officially re-signed Xavier Henry. With Henry’s contract signed, the Lakers officially had 11 players on contract. The team reportedly already agreed terms with Wesley Johnson, so the roster should be at 12 sooner rather than later. Rookie Jordan Clarkson is expected to corner out the roster at 13, but the team can carry as many as 15 players.
After Johnson and Clarkson, the Lakers do not expect to sign any more players until training camp or beyond.
