Report: Lakers Agree to Terms With Hill
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports!, Jordan Hill has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two year deal.
The Lakers traded for Hill midseason, sending Derek Fisher and a first-round pick to the Houston Rockets. Jordan made a late impression and was a regular rotation player throughout the playoffs.
Because the Rockets declined Hill’s player option, the most the Lakers would be able to pay him in the first year would be $3.6 million which would max out a two-year deal at $7.5 million.
Hill projects to be the third big behind Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The Lakers have been linked to Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic but regardless of who starts at center, LA had a strong need for Hill off the bench.
The Lakers are also expected to ink forward Antawn Jamison shortly (currently on vacation), which would give the team a deep frontcourt along with Josh McRoberts. Devin Ebanks may also be back for a year as the Lakers roster is starting to fill.
Including the non-guaranteed salary of Andrew Goudelock and expected Jamison/Ebanks signings, the Lakers have $95.4 million committed in salary before tax. The bill would be $25.2 million in tax and a $120.6 million in total payroll inclusive.
Should Bynum sign an extension, the Lakers will be an even greater tax payer the following year when the tax rate climbs according to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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