Former Washington Wizards power forward Drew Gooden (L) drives against Brooklyn Nets' Cory Jefferson. (Photo : Getty Images)
Rumors abound that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for more veteran presence to add to new head coach Luke Walton's roster and free agent power forward Drew Gooden has allegedly caught the team's interest this summer.
The 34-year old, 14-year pro is coming off a three-season stint with the Washington Wizards where he was utilized mainly as a reserve big man behind Marcin Gortat and Nene, playing in minimal games and minutes.
Washington recently declined their team option in his two-year, $6.8 million contract signed last summer which would have earned him $3.5 million in the coming season. It made him an unrestricted free agent this July that resulted in speculated interests not only from the Lakers but also from the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers, according to Lakers Nation.
Gooden is the prototypical NBA journeyman. He had suited up for 10 different NBA teams during the course of his so far 14-year professional career with his longest one in the team of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers from the 2004-2005 to the 2007-2008 season.
His career averages are 11.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game shooting 46.2 percent from the field and also has a steady hand from the charity stripe at 76.0 percent.
With the Lakers now pursuing Gooden, rumors have emerged that they are ready to move on from power forward Brandon Bass, who chose to become an unrestricted free agent this summer by declining his own player option with the Lakers.
Bass expressed his desire to still play for the Hollywood squad next season at a higher compensation, but if Gooden will successfully be acquired then it is more likely that Bass is headed to another team.
Bleacher Report noted that Gooden's main contribution for the young Lakers roster would be to become a veteran presence in the locker room.
The report said that "while he wouldn't light up the box score, Gooden would provide valuable insight to Julius Randle and the team's other rising stars as they try to bring the Lakers back to glory".
It then continued to mention that LA could sign the former Kansas Jayhawks standout to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
