The Lakers are moving fast and furious in filling out their roster after it became clear neither LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony would come here. The next step entailed re-signing power forward Jordan Hill to a two-year deal worth $18 million, according to a league source familiar with the situation. The deal has a team option on the second season.
Despite posting a career-high 9.7 points and 7.8 rebounds in the 2013-14 season, Hill grew frustrated last season with the Lakers under Mike D’Antoni’s system that featured him having a fluctuating role partly because of his preference for a so-called “small ball” system. Hill became more amenable toward returning to the Lakers. Though Hill suffered from bursts of inconsistency with fatigue, he mostly became a dependable force on rebounding and hustle plays.
This move sends a strong signal that Pau Gasol will not rejoin the Lakers. Gasol has fielded interest with a number of teams, including Oklahoma City, Chicago, Miami and New York, and has said he prefers playing for a championship contender. It appears likely Hill would start at center and pair with rookie power forward Julius Randle.
Yahoo! Sports first reported the news.
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