Los Angeles Lakers: Hope For Robert Upshaw

The controversy surrounding Robert Upshaw has been well-documented throughout his career. Being kicked out of both Fresno State and the University of Washington are two reminders of a reputation left to repair. Whether it’s been struggles with drug use (marijuana), or insubordination, Upshaw has experienced it, and allowed it to derail a promising career. A man with all-world talent, he was left to hope his NBA dreams weren’t coming to an end.  As he failed to spark a team’s interest on draft night, he was finally given a chance by a team in the midst of their own struggles. The Los Angeles Lakers decided to take a flier on the talented big man.

Upshaw will join the Lakers Summer League team to compete in Las Vegas, starting on July 10^th. He will play alongside 2nd overall pick, D’Angelo Russell.

With the Lakers going through the rigors of attempting to acquire a center, Upshaw couldn’t be in a more ideal situation. Based on last year’s 19 game production with Washington, a strong Summer League could lock him into the Lakers’ regular season roster. In those games before suspension, Upshaw was a monster on the defensive end. As the nation’s leading shot-blocker, he posted nearly five per game. The ability he showed during that stretch is why the Lakers are giving him a shot.

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In a league where traditional bigs are leaving the game, Upshaw shows that he can still fit in the fast-paced game. With a godly wingspan (7’5) while standing at seven foot, Upshaw plays well around the rim and off the block. He isn’t the most athletic player, but he proves that he can get up and down the court comfortably.

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As mentioned, Upshaw’s bread and butter come on the defensive end. Not only does he possess great instincts, but his timing puts him in a position to challenge almost any shots at the rim. In the mold of a Hasaan Whiteside, he uses his size to keep opponent from the painted area. The best part about Upshaw’s ability to block shots is keeping the ball in play. With that unique quality, it helps the team run in transition and attack the opposition at their weakest.

Against San Jose State last year, Upshaw went on a defensive tear:

What’s important for both Upshaw and the Lakers are how much they need each other. At this point in his career, Upshaw already knows what’s at stake in his basketball life. Leading up to this point, Upshaw has been exhibiting the behavior of a changing man. In Los Angeles, the center position lies uninhabited and offers him a chance to live in the Lakers’ big men lore.

Los Angeles is no longer able to make the big draws in free agency or in trades. The team’s most useful tools are to build within the NBA Draft, or go the undrafted route like Upshaw’s situation. Time will tell if their decision proves to pay off. This summer, the team will take a long look at what he can do. Summer League’s start couldn’t offer a better test, as Upshaw will face both Karl Anthony-Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers) in back-to-back games. The on-court performance should tell us all we want to know about Upshaw’s role, but it’s the time away from basketball that we’ll be truly monitoring.