National Basketball Association

Hornets sign 7-foot C Mbenga

Published Oct. 13, 2010 7:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New Orleans Hornets have signed 7-foot center D.J. Mbenga.

Mbenga was a free agent after playing 49 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

He averaged 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game for Los Angeles and had his first career double-double against the Hornets early last season with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Mbenga also played in three games during the 2010 playoffs, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds.

As well as playing for the Belgian national squad, Mbenga was with Dallas from 2004-07, Golden State for part of the 2007-08 season and then the Lakers from 2008-10.

The Hornets announced the deal on Wednesday.