The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised center Robert Sacre’s veteran-minimum team option for the 2015-16, guaranteeing his deal, league sources told RealGM.

The Lakers held the option on Sacre’s deal worth just below $1 million, deciding to retain a seven-footer who has a proven NBA value on the defensive end and positive professional on the court. Several NBA teams had prepared possibly adding Sacre if the Lakers had let him go.

RealGM reported on June 10 that the Lakers were expected to pick up the option on Sacre, which had a deadline late Tuesday night.

In 67 games last season, Sacre averaged 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds a night. Despite roster turnover, Sacre’s maintained a spirit and defensive focus to benefit the Lakers on and off the court. During the 2013-14 season, Sacre’s former coach, Mike D’Antoni, called Sacre the Lakers’ hardest worker and best defender.
Sacre was the 60th pick in the 2012 NBA draft to the Lakers.