Robert Upshaw Waived by Lakers: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Rookie center Robert Upshaw's NBA aspirations hit a snag Tuesday as the Los Angeles Lakers waived him.
According to NBA.com, the Lakers cut ties with the former University of Washington standout in addition to guard Michael Frazier II to reduce their roster size to 17 ahead of their season-opening game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, October 28.
Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times explained the likely reasoning behind general manager Mitch Kupchak's decision to keep Robert Sacre over Upshaw as a reserve center:
Bresnahan added more, noting "Lakers hope Upshaw clears waivers and signs with their D-League team."
The 21-year-old 7-footer seemingly possessed first-round talent, but he was not selected in the 2015 NBA draft. His fall from grace may have been due to the fact that he was dismissed from both the Fresno State and Washington basketball programs.
According to Reid Forgrave of FoxSports.com, drug use was the main contributing factor in the schools' decisions to let Upshaw go.
Upshaw was a star when he was on the floor, though, as he averaged 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game in 2014-15 with the Huskies.
The Lakers figured he was worth a risk but ultimately decided the center depth provided by Roy Hibbert, Sacre and Tarik Black was satisfactory.
Upshaw showed some flashes in putting up 2.5 points, three rebounds and 0.75 blocks in 14.1 minutes per game during the preseason, and based on his pure, raw talent, he has a chance to catch on somewhere else eventually.
In order to do so, however, a stop in the NBA Development League may be in the cards.
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