The Los Angeles Lakers' quest for a big man is coming to an end as they are nearing a trade deal with the Indiana Pacers to acquire two-time All-Star center Roy Hibbert.
The Lakers failed in their free agency campaign to lure in big men LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and Brook Lopez, but the addition of Hibbert will be a notable move for the franchise.
According to ESPN, the deal might get accomplished after July 9, when the NBA lifts a league-wide moratorium on roster business.
The trade deal will make Los Angeles absorb Hibbert's $15.5-million salary for next season, ESPN quoted a source as saying. According to reports, Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird wanted Hibbert traded so his team could play at a faster pace next season.
The Pacers already acquired guard Monta Ellis to fulfil Bird's plan. Last season, Hibbert, 28, played in 76 regular season games for the Pacers who missed the playoffs after four consecutive postseason appearances.
The veteran center averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.6 blocks per game last season. Hibbert will definitely be a presence in the paint for the Lakers and is no doubt still one of the best rim defenders in the league.
Along with Hibbert, the Lakers also acquired free agents forward Brandon Bass and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams. Bass, 30, has played with the Boston Celtics in the past four seasons, including all of the Celtics' 82 games last season.
The power forward averaged 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. There is no information yet regarding Bass' deal, which will be determined by the Lakers' future roster moves according to ESPN.
For his part, Williams, 28, will be heading to Los Angeles after reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $21-million deal. Williams played with the Toronto Raptors last season and was one of the team's efficient scorers. The combo guard averaged 15.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
