Lakers pick up Carlos Boozer off amnesty waivers

The Los Angeles Lakers added another power forward to their roster in winning an auction for the rights to Carlos Boozer, a person with knowledge of the transaction told USA TODAY Sports.

Boozer was available for silent bidding from any team with salary cap space after being waived using the amnesty clause by the Chicago Bulls this week. The Lakers' winning bid was not immediately known. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the deal.

The Lakers' interest was a bit of a surprise because they have added two power forwards this offseason: No. 7 overall draft pick Julius Randle and free agent Ed Davis. They also re-signed big man Jordan Hill.

Boozer averaged 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds a game last season, his lowest averages in both categories since his rookie season. The 12-year veteran has career marks of 16.6 points and 9.8 rebounds a game but often is criticized for his defense.

Randle has averaged in 12.0 points and 4.0 rebounds a game in summer league the past week. The Kentucky product was viewed as one of the more NBA-ready players in free agency. Hill and Davis both have the size to play some center, but Randle and Boozer are more traditional power forwards.