The Los Angeles Lakers and center Chris Kaman have agreed to a one-year deal worth a little less than $3.2 million according to EPSNLosAngeles.com citing sources with close to the deal.
The Lakers announced through a statement Monday they planned to sign the 31-year old center. However, the terms of the deal have not been officially disclosed.
According to sources, Kaman will receive most of the Lakers’ mini mid-level exception.
Before Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak released a statement Monday, Kaman made his own announcement through twitter.
“It's true, I am going to be going back to LA and it's to play for the Lakers! I am excited about this move and can't wait to play! #Lakers,” read the tweet.
Sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein the Lakers were adamant about finding a starting center since Dwight Howard took his talents elsewhere. They were also looking to make sure their choice did not affect the cap room they would have in 2014.
Kaman has a history of being a quality center. He made the Western Conference All-Star team during the 2009-2010 season when he was with the LA Clippers—his first team in the NBA on which he spent eight years. Last year he played with the Dallas Mavericks and averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
This move is interesting since last week ESPNLosAngeles.com reported the Lakers planned to keep forward Pau Gasol. The only way this would make sense is if Gasol moved to the center position, since at the power forward position he did not fit into coach Mike D’Antoni’s offense. If Kaman comes to LA and starts, then Gasol is once again at the power forward position and, unless Mike D’Antoni has a new offensive scheme, he is once again an issue for the coach.
The Lakers can still use their amnesty provision on either guard Kobe Bryant, Gasol, forward Metta World Peace or guard Steve Blake. This would shrink their luxury tax issues next season.
Accorinding to the Orange County Register, the provision will most likely be used on World Peace and his $7.7 million salary. This would save the Lakers about $30 million in luxury tax fees.
ESPN reported the team is still considering their options and “looking at everything.”
