Will Lakers Swing a Last-Minute Jordan Hill Trade Before the 2015 Deadline?

There are some solid reasons for the Los Angeles Lakers to try to trade their top big man, Jordan Hill, before Thursday's deadline.

However, we're now less than 48 hours away, and there hasn't yet been any tangible signs of action.

Then again, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is known for his stealthy ways.

Might a last minute surprise be in the cards?

Los Angeles gave Hill a two-year, $18 million contract last summer, but the second year is a team option.

And while the 27-year-old has made a case for his NBA validity, it’s far from a given that the Lakers will want to commit to that second $9 million before heading into free agency this summer.

If in fact there is such trepidation, management would certainly welcome cashing out their asset.



As Bleacher Report’s Adam Fromal writes, something is better than nothing:

No matter what L.A. got in return, it would be worth parting with the big man. Hill isn't a huge part of the future and can be at least partially replaced by Julius Randle upon the rookie's return from injury next season. Getting any draft picks or cheap young players would be the icing on top of the cap space gained by removing him from the roster.

But is there a way for a rebuilding Lakers team to actually do better than that?

Hill has demonstrated continued potential in his first season as a full-time starter, averaging 12.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in an economical 28 minutes per game. In the process, he’s had a slew of impressive double-doubles this season, including 26 points and 12 boards while playing 41 hard minutes in a double-overtime win against the Chicago Bulls Jan. 29.

But the 6’10” 235-pound hustle player has never been especially durable, and he played just seven minutes in the following game before leaving with a right hip flexor strain.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers