Carlos Boozer 'absolutely' sees himself as a Lakers starter
New Laker Carlos Boozer comes to Los Angeles with what ought to be diminished expectations. After being amnestied by the Chicago Bulls, Boozer has been released from the burden of playing up to the $16.8 million he was slated to earn this season.
Instead, the Lakers, who plucked Boozer off amnesty waivers, will pay him $3.25 million. And with the 12-year vet coming off his third straight season in decline, the scapegoating that crept into his latter years in Chicago should dissipate.
As for Boozer, the power forward still has high expectations for himself, and told reporters at an introductory press conference on Friday that he "absolutely" sees himself as a Lakers starter in 2014-15. He also described himself as a "spring chicken," though he'll turn 33 in November.
"My body feels great," Boozer said. "I don’t know how long I’m going to play, maybe four, five, six more years, maybe seven. We'll see."
Boozer started all 76 games he appeared in with the Bulls last season, but steadily lost minutes to frontcourt mate Taj Gibson, and by the end of the season was routinely planted on the bench in fourth quarters. His per-game averages for minutes (28.2), points (13.7), rebounds (8.3), and assists (1.6) were all the lowest since his rookie season, while his field goal percentage (45.6), true shooting percentage (48.9) and PER (14.4) were the lowest of his career.
"I’m excited about those championship balls up there," Boozer said of joining the storied Lakers franchise. "That’s what we play for. That’s why I’m here, to help us get back at that level.
"I’m searching for my first one so that’s great motivation for me."