National Basketball Association

Lakers announce signing of Russian center Timofey Mozgov

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the signing of Russian center Timofey Mozgov.

The Lakers confirmed the deal Friday, a week after Mozgov agreed to a $64 million, four-year contract in the opening minutes of free agency.

Mozgov won a championship ring last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, although he played little as their backup center. He played much more a year ago when the Cavaliers lost to Golden State in the NBA Finals.

The 29-year-old big man also played for New York and Denver during his six-year NBA career. He is averaging 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds, but general manager Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers primarily value his defense.

The Lakers are rebuilding from the worst season in franchise history. They also signed forward Luol Deng in free agency.