LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Lakers signed Robert Upshaw, an undrafted free-agent that played 19 games for the University of Washington last season, to a multi-year deal, the team announced on Monday, September 14.
Upshaw averaged 10.9 points on 53 percent shooting, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 blocks in his short stint for the Huskies before being dismissed for a violation of team rules mid-way through his sophomore season.
His 85 blocks at the time of his departure led the nation and set a single-season school record.
The 7-foot center will play at the team’s upcoming training camp, with the possibility of making the official roster for the 2015-2016 NBA season. Upshaw’s deal brings the Lakers roster to 18 players—three more than the regular season maximum.
The 21-year-old played five games for the Lakers at this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 1.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 11.5 minutes per game.
On paper, the Fresno, California native has a pretty impressive resume for a bright future in the NBA. Upshaw had the longest wingspan at this year’s pre-draft combine, measuring 7-foot-5 1/2. He also had the highest standing reach at 9-foot-5.
Upshaw took to Twitter in a rather confident post following the team’s announcement on September 14, by saying, “Told yall I would get a contract.” His Twitter account has since been suspended for unknown reasons.
The rookie has his work cut out for him to make the official roster, though, as he is joining a team with a pretty thick depth chart at his position. Upshaw joins a Lakers frontcourt that already includes centers Roy Hibbert, Robert Sacre, and Tarik Black.
Upshaw transferred to Washington after being dismissed from Fresno State following his freshman season for a violation of team rules.
