After deciding to pass on the highly-touted center Jahlil Okafor in favor of D’Angelo Russell, the move was especially significant. The Lakers were able to secure a prospect at the center with lottery level talent and potential, while still drafting a talented guard.
Unfortunately, since then, the Lakers have seemingly been determined to render that move worthless. After Upshaw flashed impressive potential in the summer league and preseason, they decided to release him in favor of Robert Sacre, who has a firm hold on the fourth string center spot. Ironically, Sacre does not even suit up for games.