National Basketball Association

Carlos Boozer is planning an NBA return next season

Published Jun. 30, 2016 5:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Carlos Boozer played a total of 13 NBA seasons, but after suffering through a dismal 21-win campaign with the Lakers in 2015, he ended up sitting the entire 2016 season out.

But now Boozer is planning on making his return to the NBA next season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

"The previous season with the Lakers was a tough year," Boozer told Yahoo Sports. "Kobe [Bryant] got hurt, Steve Nash went down and we had a young group still learning to win. I ended up taking the next year off, spent time with my kids and family and right now my body feels great. I feel terrific.

"I have been working out hard all year, and I miss the game. I want to play again."

The 34-year-old Boozer envisions himself coming off the bench next season, and being a veteran locker room presence who can have a positive impact on younger players on a given team's roster. He can still be effective offensively, though he's been criticized for his lack of defensive ability for the past several years.

Boozer averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 23.8 minutes per contest with the Lakers in the 2014-2015 season. He played for the Cavaliers from 2002-04, the Jazz from 2004-10, and the Bulls from 2010-14.