Brandon Bass will not be returning for a fifth season with the Boston Celtics.
The 6-foot-8 forward, who became an unrestricted free agent last week, instead has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, a source told Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears on Sunday. The terms of the contract are a “work in progress,” per Spears’ source.
Bass saw his role diminish for the Celtics this season, starting just 43 games — his lowest total in a non-lockout-shortened campaign since 2009-10 — as he split frontcourt minutes with the likes of Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk.
The 30-year-old remained the picture of professionalism and consistency, however, appearing in all 82 games and averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds. He has not missed a game since Feb. 22, 2012.
“I feel like day-in and day-out, I just try to take advantage of my opportunities to get better,” Bass said in January. “Guys gravitate to that. If they see some of the things I do and they can use some of those things for them to improve, cool. But I do think it’s about time for me to take responsibility and make sure I’m doing the right thing, because I know the young guys are watching.”
The Lakers will be Bass’ fifth NBA team, following stints with the then-New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic and Celtics.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
