Lakers Rumors: Robert Upshaw Clears Waivers, Will Sign With D-Fenders

Dan Duangdao
1 Min Read
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

After signing a training camp deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, undrafted rookie center Robert Upshaw was expected to compete for the final roster spot with Robert Sacre. However, during preseason, Upshaw was the first of two players to be waived by the Lakers.

With Upshaw officially clearing waivers, Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reports the undrafted rookie will sign with the team’s D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders:

After struggling with his conditioning during Summer League, Upshaw came into training camp in much better shape. However, in four preseason games, Upshaw averaged 2.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in limited minutes.

While Upshaw has potential, he is still very raw on both ends of the court. Although most thought he would edge out Sacre for a spot on the Lakers, he will have an opportunity to play major minutes for the D-Fenders and develop his game.

Follow:
Dan Duangdao was the managing editor at Lakers Nation (2013-16, 2018-20). He is currently the founder at LA Sports Media, Lake Show, Raiders Nation, Rams Nation, Kings Nation, Galaxy Nation, and MMA Rumors. Born and raised in Southern California and a lifelong Los Angeles sports and mixed martial arts fan, his first NBA game was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors with Michael Jordan in attendance during the 1998-99 NBA season. He was previously a contributor at HOOPSWORLD (now Basketball Insiders) and an NBA editor at ClutchPoints. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @DanDuangdao.