Get To Know The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2015 Draft Class

Robert Upshaw: The Summer League Invitee

While not technically a part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2015 draft class, Robert Upshaw is a rookie that the Lakers will get a close look at over the coming weeks.

Upshaw is a huge addition to the Lakers summer league squad — both literally and figuratively. He is the 6’11” paint protector that the team will need inside, and he’s a shot blocking machine, averaging 7.2 rejections per-40 minutes in his last collegiate season.

I wrote a bit more on Upshaw and the Lakers in an earlier post, and the idea in that article remains true; his elite shot blocking ability is something the Lakers desperately need. But, as also pointed out, there is a reason the kid went undrafted, and he will need to be on his best behavior — and game — in order to secure a spot on the team.

If you just consider the basketball side of things, Upshaw is an absolute no-brainer pick up for the Lakers. He instantly fills a need, has loads more potential than incumbent bench big Robert Sacre, and will come at an extraordinarily cheap price as an undrafted free agent.

He should be given every chance to succeed at summer league, but it will be up to him to grab it and prove his worth.

We will find out sooner rather than later exactly what Upshaw is made of. He is slated to face off against Karl-Anthony Towns in the first game, followed by Jahlil Okafor in his second summer league contest.

All statistical support provided by Sports Reference and Basketball Reference, unless otherwise noted.

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