Zachary Andrews, the former Cordova High and Bradley University star who spent the past four years playing overseas, just left a message on my phone. It's all good. He has been added to the Lakers training camp roster.
The 6-foot-9 forward was called up from the Lakers D-League affiliate - the L.A. Defenders - earlier today. He averaged 11.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists while starting all eight games for former Kings coach Eric Musselman.
Since returning spring from Japan, where he played last season, Andrews, 26, also has become a vocal advocate for the Sacramento area homeless. He continues to speak openly and publicly about his own trying boyhood and the perils of "couch surfing" - the practice of moving from home to home, seeking shelter from friends, teachers and relatives. He credits his coaches and teachers at Cordova for getting him through high school and helping him earn a scholarship to Bradley.
A lifelong Kings fan, Andrews' dream was to be signed by the hometown team. But as he told me several weeks ago when he signed with the Defenders, he would have no problem setting aside his loyalties for a chance to make the Lakers squad. If he fails to stick after training camp, he would return to the D-League.
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