The Los Angeles Lakers may have no choice but to part ways with power forward Jordan Hill, either through a trade or not exercising the second year of his contract. According to Bleacher Report writer David Murphy, it would be more ideal move for the Lakers to shop the 27-year old Hill and capitalize on his solid value on the trading front.
Hill, who averaged 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, will become an unrestricted free-agent this summer, if the Lakers decided not to pick up a team option worth $9 million before the start of the free-agency period on July 1.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak made it clear that he looks to upgrade the roster this offseason through the draft, free-agency and possibly trades. The Lakers have several assets at their disposal such as three draft picks (including the no.2 overall pick), $24 million cap money and a valuable trade asset in Hill, who is still one of the best underrated big men in the league.
Murphy indicated that all directions are pointing to the Lakers using Hill as a massive trade chip to acquire another established player or another trade asset. The Bleacher Report writer believed the Lakers could make a strong offer for Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum and Toronto Raptors shooting guard Terrence Ross - who both could fill in the team's need for a reliable swingman - by packaging Hill, the 27th and 34th pick.
"For example, faced with the possibility of losing LaMarcus Aldridge and Robin Lopez during free agency, the Portland Trail Blazers might consider swapping small forward Nicolas Batum for Hill and the Lakers' 27th pick
Or what about Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors? The 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk champion is an explosive young player coming off surgery to have bone spurs removed from his ankle. The Raptors need athleticism at the power forward position, and the Lakers need help at the wing-the Wesley Johnson experiment having been a total bust."
The Lakers are determined to make the most of the opportunity this offseason after two dreadful campaigns. Hills, for all the stuffs he contributed as proud member of the purple-and-gold, could give the Lakers one last significant parting gift by becoming a pivotal chip to the team's rebuilding plan.