Lakers make Chris Kaman signing official

The Lakers have officially signed Chris Kaman for the 2013-14 season.

“We’re pleased to be able to add a big man of Chris’ caliber to the roster for the upcoming season,” said General Manager Mitch Kupchak in a news release. “He’s a versatile center who defends well, goes hard to the glass and can score both in the paint and from mid-range while also being a high character guy and solid locker room presence.”

Kaman will earn $3.2 million for one year with the Lakers, the team using its taxpayer mid-level exception.

The veteran center will join the Lakers’ front court with Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill and Robert Sacre. Second-round pick (48th) Ryan Kelly has yet to sign with the team.

After a year with the Dallas Mavericks, Kaman returns to Los Angeles after spending most of his career with the Clippers.

An all-star in 2010, Kaman was traded to the New Orleans Hornets as part of the 2011 blockbuster trade that landed Chris Paul with the Clippers.

Kaman may start at center alongside Gasol -- or play off the bench should Coach Mike D’Antoni prefer Gasol starting at the five.

Throughout the 2009-10 season with the Clippers, Kaman averaged 18.5 points a game. In 2007-8, he collected a career-high 12.7 rebounds with 2.8 blocks a game.

Last year with the Mavericks, Kaman averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds through 66 appearances.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.