LA Lakers announce signing of forward Ed Davis

July 23, 2014

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent forward and former first round pick Ed Davis, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.  Other outlets have reported that the deal is worth $2 million over two years.

Davis, 25,  is a raw, still-developing big man who has put up decent rebounding numbers in limited minutes during his career.  A four-year NBA veteran, Davis appeared in 63 games (four starts) last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 5.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 15.2 minutes per game, while leading the team in field goal percentage (53.4%) during the regular season.

“Ed is a versatile, young frontcourt player who, if he continues to work hard, will be a valuable contributor,” said Kupchak. “We look forward to him furthering his development with the Lakers and are excited by what we think he can offer our team.”

With Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill the probable starters down low, Davis will likely play a similar role to the one he held last year in Memphis -- that of a reserve big man off the bench capable of filling in at either the 4 or 5. Rookie Julius Randle also figures to be in the rotation mix as well.

The signing gives the Lakers flexibility since it is a low-cost, short term deal that will allow the team to make a run at big name free agents in the next few offseasons.

Originally selected 13th overall by Toronto in the 2010 NBA Draft, Davis was acquired by the Grizzlies in a trade on January 30, 2013.  In 275 career NBA games (58 starts), Davis has averaged 6.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 20.8 minutes.

A 6’10” forward, Davis was a member of the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship-winning UNC Tar Heel team, and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team the same year before declaring for the Draft following his sophomore season.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services

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