Report: Carlos Boozer ‘absolutely’ expects to start in LA

Carlos Boozer hasn’t been a member of the Los Angeles Lakers for a week and he’s already making quasi-demands. In his introductory conference, the NBA veteran stated that he expects to start for the Lakers this season.

This comes as little surprise.

Once the Los Angeles Lakers claimed Boozer off the amnesty bid, he became the veteran power forward on a team with many youthful pieces. With Jordan Hill likely starting at center, this leaves a little competition for the starting power forward spot between Boozer, the recently signed Ed Davis, the sixth overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft in Julius Randle, and last years draft pick in Ryan Kelly.

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If the Lakers plan on trotting out their “best” lineup, Boozer makes sense as starter. Last season, Boozer average 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a member of the Chicago Bulls. While fans may loath him, it’s a bit difficult to deny that he’s talented–at least, offensively speaking.

But if the Lakers want to jumpstart their rebuild, the best case scenario would be starting lottery pick Julius Randle as he has the move potential of the unit and matters more to the Lakers future than anyone else on the roster.

Regardless of what Boozer wants and expects, his position and role on the Lakers won’t come into fruition until Mitch Kupchak and company hires a head coach. Byron Scott has been the frontrunner for some time now, having interviewed with the front office thrice, but the Lakers have made little movement in regards to making anything official.