Zach Auguste to the Los Angeles Lakers

By Bobby Norell | Jun 27, 2016

Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) reacts during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Auguste signs with the Los Angeles Lakers

We all knew that the Zach Auguste’s chances of being drafted on draft night were slim, but we all thought that he’d at least get a shot to prove himself. Auguste is getting exactly that as the Lakers signed him to play for their summer league team.

Zach Auguste will play for the Los Angeles Lakers' summer league team, per sources.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 25, 2016

The deal doesn’t guarantee a roster spot for Auguste for next season, but it gives him the opportunity for not only the Lakers, but for other NBA teams to see what he can do up close and personal. Signing with the Lakers could be an ideal spot for Auguste. The Lakers are in the middle of rebuilding, so they don’t exactly possess a roster loaded with all stars. Because of this Auguste could find himself a roster spot if he performs well in the summer league.

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Last season Auguste enjoyed his best season with Notre Dame. He averaged a double-double with 14 points and 10.7 rebounds a game. His play garnered him third-team All ACC recognition, as well as a spot on the All ACC Tournament second team.

One thing Auguste has going for him is that he’s big and for how big he is, he’s super athletic. He has the ability to run the floor and get baskets in transition. One of his other strengths is how well he plays in the pick and roll. Him and Demetrius Jackson were lethal in the pick and roll game.

Auguste definitely has the size and athleticism to play in the NBA, but he does lack in a few areas. For one he does possess much of a shot. If Auguste isn’t getting easy layups or dunks, he’s most likely not scoring much. He’ll need to improve his shot if he wants to stick in the NBA longterm. The other knock on Auguste is that he tends to disappear on the court for long periods of time. This has to do more with his focus and mentality rather than physical skill.

Next: Demetrius Jackson to the Boston Celtics

At best I can see Auguste being a role player on an NBA team whether its the Lakers or not. He may never be a starter or a guy who’s going to give you big minutes, but I can see him having a role off the bench for some team. At worst, Auguste is probably a guy who could make a good living playing in Europe, but hey that’s honestly better than playing in the D-League.

Auguste will start his NBA career next Friday as summer league action begins in Las Vegas. Auguste and the Lakers will take on the New Orleans Pelicans.