Josh McRoberts faces Lakers for first time since trade

Lakers fans quickly latched on to his nonstop energy, enthusiasm and high socks.

But McRoberts’ time with the Lakers proved short-lived. On the heels of shipping Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers signed McRoberts just before training camp started to a two-year deal using their mini mid-level exception worth $3 million. He then became trade bait this offseason for the Howard deal.

“It wasn’t like they traded me for a washing machine or something,” said McRoberts, who averaged 2.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes last season with the Lakers. “They traded me for one of the best players in the league. Obviously they didn’t trade me straight up for him, I was a part of that trade. So, it’s kind of like anybody could have a part of that.”

Vaughn lauded McRoberts’ versatility and passing after posting 4.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16 minutes after the bench. Last season, McRoberts’ role dropped once former coach Mike Brown favored Troy Murphy for his outside shooting.

“They treat me like I’m an old guy on this team,” said McRoberts, who’s played six NBA seasons. “We got a bunch of you guys, so, going from last year when I’m one of the youngest guys on this team to this year when I’m like a super vet is a little bit different.”