The Los Angeles Lakers’ 5 Worst Contracts Heading Into 2016-17

C Tarik Black

Tarik Black‘s contract can be seen as a good and bad thing for the Lakers.

On one hand, it seems like a solid deal. Los Angeles is paying him about $6.2 million this season to provide depth in the front court. The team also has an option for 2017-18, at which point they can let him go if he doesn’t show progress this season.

Team options always allow flexibility, which boosts value on the team’s end.

However, on the other hand, the Lakers are paying a significant amount of money for what could turn out to be a third-string center. Black is expected to battle with offseason addition Timofey Mozgov and rookie Ivica Zubac for minutes in 2016-17.

At this moment, it’s looking like he’ll be buried on the bench.

Mozgov was promised a larger role when he signed with the Lakers (via the LA Daily News’ Mark Medina), so he’ll see plenty of minutes. Zubac was a pleasant surprise during Summer League, and should earn a notable role in the rotation early. So where does Black fit into the equation?

I’m sure he’ll get some minutes here and there, but I’m guessing he’ll spend the majority of his time on the bench. For more than $6 million, that sounds like a bad deal for the Lakers.

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