Andrew Bogut will rejoin Warriors

OAKLAND, Calif.

The Golden State Warriors signed Andrew Bogut, who is expected to rejoin the team next week and add depth heading into the playoffs.

The Warriors made the announcement Wednesday, after Bogut was cleared by his Australian team, the Sydney Kings. The Warriors are without Damian Jones, who needed surgery after injuring his left pectoral muscle in December.

Golden State has struggled defensively, losing in embarrassing fashion at home to Boston 128-95 on Tuesday night, so Bogut’s 7-foot presence in the paint could be timely.

The 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, Bogut appeared in 23 games for the Lakers last season and made five starts. He averaged 1.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 9.4 minutes.

The Warriors scouted the 34-year-old in Australia and had to wait on his work visa and clearance from FIBA to sign him.