The 13-40 Lakers elected to stand pat at the deadline with the hopes of improving in the future through better health and free agency. Whether that strategy ultimately pays dividends depends on how the offseason unfolds, but it is hard to argue with the decision.
It is actually better for the Lakers to lose the rest of this season and improve their chances at holding on to their top-five-protected draft pick than anything else, so why trade for a player who could help them win a few more games this season?
The Lakers didn’t make a move at the trade deadline, but there are still plenty of rumors about the future coming out of Los Angeles. Here are a few of them.
Jordan Hill
Sean Deveney of Sporting News passed along an update on big man Jordan Hill: "Hill could become a free agent next summer if the Lakers choose not to pick up his option, worth $9 million, but most executives around the league think that, assuming Hill is not part of a blockbuster in the next 24 hours, the team will pick up his option for next season."
Hill clearly wasn’t part of a blockbuster deal, so the indication seems to be that he will be back next season. The 27-year-old Hill may not be the reincarnation of Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlain down low, but the Lakers could do much worse moving forward.
Hill is averaging career highs this season in points (12.3 per game) and rebounds (a team-high eight per game) and has been a steadying force when healthy on the blocks for the squad after Julius Randle was lost for the season in the opener.
With the long-term future of Carlos Boozer up in the air, the Lakers could use a veteran like Hill to mentor Randle and play alongside him next sea...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
