Report: Los Angeles Lakers on Verge of Acquiring Hibbert
July 5, 2015 (The Sports Xchange) — After striking out in their attempts to land several high-profile free agents, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of acquiring center Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers.
According to multiple reports, the Pacers and Lakers reached agreement on a deal Saturday that can’t be completed until the NBA moratorium on signings ends after July 9.
USA Today reported that the Pacers will receive cash and future draft picks in exchange for Hibbert.
The 7-foot-2 Hibbert’s seven years with the Pacers were marked by ups and downs. Pacers president Larry Bird told reporters after the season that Hibbert would play a less prominent role with the team in 2015-16 had he decided to stay.
Last season, Hibbert averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game, but his minutes were reduced late in the year and the Pacers missed the playoffs.
In 2011-12, Hibbert had one of his best seasons. He was selected to the NBA All-Star team and finished the year averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field.
In 2013, Hibbert stepped up and helped the Pacers push the Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals before falling. He averaged 22.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in the series.
Hibbert again made the All-Star team during the 2013-14 season, but his numbers began to decline in the second half of that season.
Last week, the 28-year-old Hibbert exercised a $15.5 million player option for the final year of his contract.
The Lakers pursued high-profile free agents LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and Robin Lopez in an attempt to rebuild their roster after a rough 2014-15 season, but were rebuffed.
They focused on acquiring a big man in the free agent market after selecting guard D’Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick in the June draft.
Meanwhile, the Pacers hope that center Myles Turner, the No. 11 pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft, will help fill the void left by Hibbert’s departure. Indiana also reached agreement this week with free agent guard Monta Ellis on a four-year, $44 million contract.
Like us on Facebook for more stories from GephardtDaily.com
