Robert

Upshaw

The former Lakers draft pick had his D-League contract terminated for violating the Anti-Drug program and will now attempt to resurrect his career overseas. While the 22-year-old has some talent, he’s a long ways away from being on the fantasy radar.

The deal is expected to be completed in the next few days, so we will provide an additional update when it’s official. Upshaw is a gifted shot blocker, but he was kicked out of two colleges due to off-court issues and went undrafted this summer. The Lakers did bring in Roy Hibbert recently, but if Upshaw can stay out of trouble he could be a steal for the Lakers. As of right now, Upshaw is only on the radar in deeper leagues. For what it’s worth, Upshaw blocked three shots in just 12 minutes during his summer league debut on Friday.

They will have a fairly stacked team with Julius Randle also expected to join them. Upshaw is a physical freak, but his heart condition and off-the-court issues kept him from being drafted. Ashley also broke his foot in the 2013-14 season and didn’t do much last year.

Upshaw has verbally agreed to a two-year contract with the Lakers, but the deal has not yet been finalized. It’s unclear exactly what will be discussed during Thursday’s meeting, but it’s believed it’s just the Lakers doing their due diligence on a guy with well documented off-court issues. Upshaw will start the season off as the third-string center in Los Angeles, so he won’t be worth drafting in standard leagues.

Upshaw was dismissed from the Fresno State basketball team for drug violations before being dismissed from the Washington team in January, so those red flags will be tough to shake. Despite being a physical specimen as a legitimate seven-footer with a 7'5" wingspan, there is a chance he falls out of the first round entirely so he’s not owed guaranteed money. If Fab Melo can be a first-round pick, we’re not betting against Upshaw.

Upshaw should be cleared to resume activity, and that’s great news after he had to suspend all workouts last week following some concerns regarding his medical issue. It’s the other issues—those off the floor—that could force Upshaw, a talented shot-blocker, to slide into the second round on draft day.

Upshaw is loaded with upside and is arguably the best shot-blocker in the draft, but his off-court issues have raised some red flags. Upshaw could fall into the second round for this reason, and any team willing to take a chance on him will need to surround him with the appropriate support system. The Mavericks have already worked him out, and the Rockets are said to be the next team who will bring him in for a look. The good news is that his heart issue appears to be in the rear-view mirror.

“Robert and his family have been fully aware of his medical history,” Upshaw’s agent, Bill Duffy, said. “Twice previously this was addressed by highly respected University Cardiologists and Robert was subsequently cleared for all basketball activities. The NBA Combine Doctors are now waiting for the results of a final test, which will be known in a week’s time.” Upshaw already has a red flag for a drug violation, so this will hurt the big man.

It’s likely just for camp, but kudos to Upshaw for making it this far. He showed some promise at Summer League with his condor-like wingspan, but his offensive game has a long way to go. He’s still has his off-the-court issues hanging over his head, but this is a big step.

After it was reported that Upshaw and the Lakers had reached a two-year agreement, it appears the two sides still haven’t been able to come to terms. It’s not clear if that scenario is still on the table at this point, and Upshaw remains an intriguing long-term project wherever he ultimately lands.