Los Angeles Lakers News: Newly-Acquired Carlos Boozer Will Be Lakers' Enforcer Down Low, Is It Enough To Take L.A. Back To The Playoffs?

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers world was shaken once more with a new acquisition - this time 32-year-old Carlos Boozer. 

The Lakers placed the highest bid for the aging forward worth $3.25 million, while his former team the Bulls would pay the remaining $13.55 million of his contract. 

The move was not the most popular move during this off-season and some people would argue that getting Boozer was not in line with the current 'theme' of LA's rebuilding which is currently focused on its young core of players, of course aside from the 35-year-old Kobe Bryant and the 40-year-old Steve Nash. 

Seen as a casualty rather than an asset, Boozer is a power forward who has had some great scoring years in his three teams in the NBA, particularly during his stint with the Utah Jazz where he averaged more than 20 points and more than 10 rebounds every game. 

However, his level of play has seen a consistent decline in previous years, and when former backup forward Taj Gibson was given more minutes, Boozer knew his time with the Bulls wil soon be over. 

But now that the Germany-born NBA veteran is part of the NBA's most popular team, will he be able to make the impact needed from him?

In an offensive standpoint, Boozer can still score as he averaged more than 13 points per game last season, but his minutes would be limited in a congested frontcourt rotation. Still, it is good for the Lakers that they at least found a replacement to fill the offensive gap left by Pau Gasol who decided to go to the Bulls. 

Boozer will be in charge of the Lakers' inside play, while defensive forward/centers Jordan Hill and Ed Davis should be able to take care of business defensively. If the 32-year-old is able to put similar or better numbers than he did last season, then his 1-year-contract would certainly be worth it for a Lakers squad who is desperate of talent.