Bogut's NBA Lakers signing made official

Australian centre Andrew Bogut's move to the Los Angeles Lakers has been confirmed by the NBA franchise.

Bogut

Andrew Bogut has joined the LA Lakers on a one-year NBA deal. (AAP)

Andrew Bogut is set to be tasked with arresting the Los Angeles Lakers' dismal NBA defensive record.

The Boomers star will compete with high-profile recruit Brook Lopez from Brooklyn and youngsters Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant for game-time at centre in 2017-18.

The Lakers made the Australian's signing official on Tuesday but did not release terms of his contract, which is believed to be a one-year deal worth $US2.3 million.

The franchise struggled defensively in finishing second-last in the Western Conference last season, conceding the third-most points in the paint in the league.

They also recorded the third-least blocks.

Bogut, who's 33 in November, joins after an injury-hit past 12 months during which he broke his leg a minute into his first game with Cleveland in May.

Despite concerns over his fitness, pace and age, the 2005 No.1 draft pick joins the glamour club with strong credentials as a rim protector.

He was awarded All-Defensive Second Team honours after winning the 2015 championship with Golden State, averaging 10 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 12 NBA seasons.

There are also rumours the 213cm Lopez is struggling with a back injury which could hamper his start to the season.

Bogut will reunite with Lakers coach Luke Walton, who was an assistant for two years in the Warriors.

He's also set to work with basketball legend Magic Johnson, who's the team's president of basketball operations.

It'll be his fifth club having also spent time at Milwaukee and Dallas.

As well as Bogut and Lopez, the Lakers have gained the services of highly-touted No.2 draft pick Lonzo Ball.

Star point guard D'Angelo Russell has departed to Brooklyn.


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Source: AAP



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