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Raja Bell will not be a Laker. The sought-after veteran guard has reportedly agreed with Utah on a three-year deal worth nearly $10 million. Bell was expected to meet with Kobe Bryant, who was trying to woo him to the defending champions in Los Angeles. But he chose to join the Jazz in part due to his familiarity with coach Jerry Sloan, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, who first reported the deal. Bell played in Utah from 2003-05.
Money could have been a factor as well for the 12-year veteran, who spent last season with the Warriors and Bobcats, but played in just six games due to injury. The Lakers could only offer close to $2 million per year.
"He had the Jazz on his short list of teams from the moment free agency began," Bell's agent, Herb Rudoy, wrote in an e-mail to The Salt Lake Tribune. "Kevin has been after him from the beginning. Things just fell into place quickly today. Raja is thrilled to be back in [Salt Lake City]! He loved his time there."
Utah opted for the Bell, noted for his defensive toughness, likely at the cost of matching Portland's offer sheet for Wesley Mathews. Bell joins offseason acquisition Al Jefferson on a Jazz team that is looking more and more like a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
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