Los Angeles Lakers re-sign Jordan Hill – NBA Update
Ever since free agency began Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had been in constant talks with Jordan Hill’s agent, Kevin Bradbury to strike a new deal for the reserve centre/ power forward.
However duo to several reasons a new deal had failed to materialize up until now.
There had been rumours of the Lakers looking to find a trade option for Dwight Howard and at the same time, Hill and his agent had been taking a look at other suitors in the NBA.
In the end it all came down to a choice between Minnesota Timberwolves and the Lakers, and Hill chose to stay in Hollywood.
"Jordan is excited to play with Steve Nash and has the utmost respect for Kobe Bryant," Bradbury said. "With Mitch Kupchak and Mike Brown taking a chance on him last year at the trade deadline, he feels like he has some unfinished
business with the Lakers and can't wait to compete for a championship."
The details of the agreement are such that Hill will receive less money than what the Wolves had on the table, but he can make it up with other incentives. He will sign a two year worth around $8 million.
The reserve big came to Hollywood midway during last season as part of the trade which sent veteran point guard Derek Fisher over to the Houston Rockets. Sidelined with an MCL in his right knee, Hill was able to play in 7 regular
season games and managed an average of 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds. He however showed shades of brilliance with 14 points, 15 rebounds and a 3 blocks performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Hill increased his output in the playoffs, averaging 4.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 12 games against Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder. He managed three double-double outings during that span.
Lakers are already over the luxury tax in salaries and could not have offered more than $ 3 million to the centre. But having partial bird rights of his contract from the Rockets allows them to offer a maximum of $3,632,450 for
five years.
Tags: