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Carlos Boozer open to returning to Lakers if team can compete

Carlos Boozer said he is interested in returning to the Lakers if the team can compete next season.
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Carlos Boozer said he is interested in returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next season if the team can compete, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Boozer is set to become a free agent this summer after earning $16.8 million this season. The 33-year-old forward averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds on 49.9% shooting. 

"If we have a chance to compete for the playoffs or a championship, I'd love to be a Laker," Boozer said.  "I'm at that point in my career now ... I kind of enjoyed it a little bit."

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Boozer had to adjust to a reserve role this season, starting only 26 games out of the 71 he appeared in. The Lakers acquired him off waivers from the Chicago Bulls last summer.

"When I got here, I thought we'd have a healthy [roster]," said Boozer. "Things went differently."

Los Angeles dealt with numerous injuries over the course of the season, including losing shooting guard Kobe Bryant to a shoulder injury and point guard Steve Nash for the year before he decided to retire. The Lakers finished 2014-15 with a 21-61 record.

- Molly Geary