Undrafted free-agent center Robert Upshaw, an ultra-talented shot-blocker who has also been kicked out of two colleges, has reached an agreement on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, a league source confirmed to ESPN late Friday night.
The source said the deal is expected to be completed in the coming days, and while immediate details weren't available, the source said the first year of the deal was partially guaranteed while the second year was non-guaranteed.
Northeast Ohio Media Group first reported that Upshaw had reached an agreement with the Lakers.
The 7-footer is playing with the Lakers' summer league squad and finished with 2 points, 3 blocks and 6 rebounds in nearly 13 minutes during the team's 81-68 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in Las Vegas.
Upshaw averaged 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 blocks in 19 games with the University of Washington last season before being dismissed from the program for a violation of team rules. At the time of his dismissal, his 85 blocks led the nation and set a single-season school record.
Upshaw, a Fresno native, transferred to Washington after being dismissed from Fresno State for a violation of team rules.
His off-the-court trouble led the potential first-round pick to go undrafted. But for the Lakers, Upshaw could be a low-risk, high-reward addition to their frontcourt. Upshaw had the longest wingspan at the 2015 NBA Draft Combine, measuring 7-foot-5 ½. He also had the highest standing reach at 9-5.
