The Indiana Pacers announced Saturday they have signed free agent center Andrew Bynum to a contract for the remainder of the season.

The 7-1, 285-pound Bynum played seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and was part of their 2009 and 2010 NBA Championship teams. He was traded by the Lakers to Philadelphia in August, 2012, but missed the 2012-13 regular season with knee problems. He was signed this season as a free agent by Cleveland, played 24 games (8.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game) and was traded to Chicago, which released him. He has career averages of 11.5 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game. His best season was his last with the Lakers when he averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds.

“We are obviously happy to have him join our team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “He gives us added size, he is a skilled big man and he has championship experience. With the minutes he gets, he should be a valuable addition.”

Bynum will join the Pacers sometime next week.

“It really wasn’t a hard decision, I think it’s the right fit for me and, in all honesty, I think we’ve got the best chance of winning,” said Bynum. “It will be great to back up Roy and I’ll do whatever I can to help this team.”