The Los Angeles Lakers are working on completing a Roy Hibbert trade and the deals with Lou Williams and Brandon Bass and the team is also considering trades with Nick Young, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre to try and get Brendan Haywood and this comes as D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson are ready to start in the summer league.
The Lakers reportedly have agreed to a deal with Hibbert, but on the first day that it can become official, the sides have not completed the deal. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are "hopeful" that the deal will happen by the end of the day. The Times also reports that the team is working to compete the contracts for Lou Williams and Brandon Bass, who both reportedly agreed to free agent deals.
The Lakers pulled off the Hibbert trade soon after free agency opened up and it came after the team previously had interest in a deal for DeMarcus Cousins. The Lakers reportedly will send some money and a second round pick to the Pacers for Hibbert and he gives the team a new big man up front. Hibbert has not been great for the Pacers over the past couple seasons, but he now has the chance to bounce back in Los Angeles with the Lakers.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that Nick Young, Robert Sacre and/or Ryan Kelly could be moved to help get deals done for the Lakers. It doesn't look like any of those players are going to the Pacers in the deal for Hibbert at this moment, but that could change. The addition of Williams may make Young redundant and he could be moved to help get the cap situation in check with Hibbert and Bass coming in. The report also has Brendan Haywood as an option with the Cavaliers, as he has a $10.5 million unguaranteed contract, which would help clear cap space.
According to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, the Lakers and Pacers are working out the "specifics" of the deal, but the two sides have agreed and the trade reportedly will go through. The Mavericks previously had interest in Hibbert before the team agreed with DeAndre Jordan, but all that has broken down with Jordan going back to the Clippers. The Mavericks are not expected to try and get Hibbert and the Lakers deal could be done within the day.
Hibbert is making over $15 million this season, but he has the potential to be a great option for the Lakers with the team letting Carlos Boozer go in free agency. Hibbert averaged 10 points and seven rebounds last season and he comes in with the chance to gain some value back this season. The Lakers also reportedly have agreed to terms with Brandon Bass and they are working to complete the deal on Thursday. According to ESPN.com, the team is bringing in Bass on a short term deal and they also have agreed with Lou Williams.
The Lakers are preparing to open summer league play and players like D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson are the main players on the roster. Randle is going to get limited minutes, as he is coming back from an injury, while Clarkson and Russell likely will alternate starting at point guard.
Check here for more on the Lakers offseason moves, the trade for Roy Hibbert and for more on the potential trade for Brendan Haywood. Check here for more on the potential deals for Nick Young, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre.
