Lakers News: L.A. Officially Re-Signs Tarik Black
Lakers Rumors: Tarik Black Suffering From Minor Ankle Injury
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have used up the remainder of their salary cap room in signing former lottery pick Yi Jianlian, the team has begun making their other agreed to deals official. The team just signed rookie Brandon Ingram, and now comes the news that the team has officially locked up backup big man Tarik Black.

The Lakers made their deal with Black official on Wednesday, and General Manager Mitch Kupchak spoke about what Black brings to the team via Lakers.com:

“Tarik is a player whose strengths are well-suited for the style of play we envision for our team going forward,” said Kupchak. “He plays the game with a mix of athleticism, energy, and physicality that make him a valuable frontcourt contributor in today’s NBA.”

When the deal was originally reported, it was said that Black’s contract was a two-year deal worth just under $13 million which is a solid deal for a young backup like Tarik. After a promising first season, Black struggled to see consistent floor time in his second year under Byron Scott.

With Luke Walton now at the helm, Black is certainly hoping for a change and has said that Walton has promised him a ‘fair shot’ at earning minutes this season. Whether or not Black can win what should be a very crowded battle in the frontcourt remains to be seen.

Black will be battling rookie Ivica Zubac, recent signing Yi Jianlian, and Larry Nance Jr. for backup big man minutes. Each player brings an entirely different style and while Nance will almost definitely get plenty of minutes, the rest will be competing to get minutes. It is also conceivable that Walton could choose any of those players to see time depending on the matchup much like the Warriors did with Festus Ezeli, Marresse Speight, and Anderson Varejao.

However, it ultimately turns out, Black will work as hard as possible and get everything out of himself that he possibly can.

You May Also Like

Lakers Athletic Trainer Gary Vitti On The Passing Of Dr. Frank Jobe

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the passing of a pioneer in the…

NBA and Players Union Will Meet Today Prior to Deadline

When it seemed all hope was lost and the NBA made it…

Charles Barkley Blasts Klutch Sports For Handling Of Players, Mentions Anthony Davis Trade To Lakers As Example

In the player empowerment era of the NBA, star movement has become commonplace, with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James…

Lakers Officially Sign First-Round Picks Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart

The Los Angeles Lakers were extremely busy on draft night, selecting four players to bring on to the roster including three in the first round…