Thirteen-year veteran Carlos Boozer is set to join Chinese Basketball Association squad Guangdong Southern Tigers next season as a way to continue his professional career.
The 34-year-old power forward last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014-2015, but after a dismal stint with the Hollywood franchise, he ended up un-acquired last summer and thus missing out the entire 2015-2016 season as a free agent.
Boozer recently admitted that he voluntarily took time away from the sport last season to spend more time with his family, but now he wants to come back in the NBA and he feels that he is physically ready to do that.
"The previous season with the Lakers was a tough year," said Boozer, as reported by Fox 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 former Duke standout added.
He then said that he expects to come off the bench this coming season and become a veteran locker room presence if ever an NBA team signs him, but that proved to be not his fate this year.
ESPN reported that Boozer "is nearing agreement on a deal" with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China to try and "resurrect his career".
The report noted that since the CBA season is set to culminate by February or March next year, the two-time NBA All-Star could still have the chance to play for an NBA team next season, perhaps for a contending club that will advance in the playoffs, if he pulls off a good performance for the Chinese squad.
Boozer averaged 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 23.8 minutes of playing time a night for the Lakers two seasons ago, his lowest marks since his rookie season. He was popular playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls before his stint in LA.
He earned his two All-Star game selections in 2007 and 2008 while playing for the Jazz as their primary big man.
