Los Angeles Lakers rumors: 3 free agents team is currently targeting
George Hill, PG
One of the big assumptions heading into free agency was that the Lakers would be targeting a veteran point guard. Even with Lonzo Ball now in the mix, Los Angeles was assumed to be looking for an experienced option to at least provide the rookie with some support.
So the latest reports from ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski only come as somewhat of a surprise:
Free agent George Hill and reps are meeting with the Lakers today in Los Angeles, discussing a one-year deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2017
From a talent standpoint, it’s great to see the Lakers going after someone who can pull their weight on the court. It’s also reassuring that a one-year deal is being discussed, seeing as Magic Johnson and co. want to preserve cap space for next offseason.
Still, signing Hill would likely require him being a starter. That obviously wouldn’t bode well for Ball, who was expected to step into a prominent role in Year 1. While I would still expect him to get big minutes with Hill aboard, it isn’t the type of news the Big Ballers want to hear at this point, although they could play alongside each other in the backcourt.
As long as he doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and comes on a one-year deal, Hill would be a strong addition for the Lakers. They could use some proven starters to buoy this lineup, and he certainly fits the bill. That is, if Hill can stay healthy — something he’s recently struggled with.