Lakers

[Monster]

At the end of the day getting Hibbert for a couple 2nd rounders is probably a no-brainer. There is a chance Hibbert becomes a worthwhile legit starting center again. The Lakers get to do a 1 year trial with him and don't have to be commited beyond that. It's still a bit of a desparate move but as it has been said it's better than signing guys to long term deals that might handicap you later.

[Coolbreeze44]

I didn't realize he only had 1 year left on his deal. Nonetheless, if they let him go after the year, it's still someone they have to either resign or replace. Plus the few extra wins he gives them will probably have their #1 pick going to Philly.

[bleedspeed]

I wonder if they are betting this will help Russell, Randle, and Clarkson develop and they can use them to attract FA's. Also they signed Upshaw to the summer league team. If he an stick and keep his head on him he could learn a lot from Hibbert. Seem like smart moves to me.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

That Nash trade will really come back to haunt them as I don't see any likely quick fixes for the Lakers happening.

[Porckchop]

After striking out in free agency I gotta believe the Lakers will have their eyes on the prize next year. LSU's fr Ben Simmons is the prize of next year's draft and he happens to project as a sf which would fill a need. Russell , Simmons and Randlw would be a nice building block. What happens if the Wolves have the injury bug again and find themselves in a position to draft him next year? That's the question . I believe the wolves will be lottery bound one more year but towards the back end. But if key players go down ......

[A Friendly Flatulence [enjin:8907904]]

The lakers pick next year is only top 3 protected, even if they finish with the worst record int he NBA they only have like a 65% chance to keep it.

[Porckchop]

The lakers pick next year is only top 3 protected, even if they finish with the worst record int he NBA they only have like a 65% chance to keep it.

I wouldn't dismiss the idea of the Lakers being in the top three next year. And I'll take those odds. LA and it's fans aren't content with just being competitive. They must know theyre not in a position to win right next year and after flopping in free agency I believe they'll do their best to position themselves at the top of the draft.

[Coolbreeze44]

The lakers pick next year is only top 3 protected, even if they finish with the worst record int he NBA they only have like a 65% chance to keep it.

I wouldn't dismiss the idea of the Lakers being in the top three next year. And I'll take those odds. LA and it's fans aren't content with just being competitive. They must know theyre not in a position to win right next year and after flopping in free agency I believe they'll do their best to position themselves at the top of the draft.

I can't see them doing that intentionally unless things really come off the rails. You don't acquire a Hibbert if you plan on positioning yourself at the top of the draft. Plus as was stated above, there is no guarantee it works out in the end anyway. To me it appears like they are trying to make the playoffs. That won't happen though.

[Porckchop]

The lakers pick next year is only top 3 protected, even if they finish with the worst record int he NBA they only have like a 65% chance to keep it.

I wouldn't dismiss the idea of the Lakers being in the top three next year. And I'll take those odds. LA and it's fans aren't content with just being competitive. They must know theyre not in a position to win right next year and after flopping in free agency I believe they'll do their best to position themselves at the top of the draft.

I can't see them doing that intentionally unless things really come off the rails. You don't acquire a Hibbert if you plan on positioning yourself at the top of the draft. Plus as was stated above, there is no guarantee it works out in the end anyway. To me it appears like they are trying to make the playoffs. That won't happen though.

I don't think Hibbert guarantees them a playoff team either, but his salary coming off the books will help them sign one or two players down the road . There are never guarantees, but u formulate a plan and hope everything falls into place . Every team relies on luck to have their plan fall perfectly into place. Especially when in rebuild mode.

[Monster]

@WojYahooNBA: Yahoo Sources: Lakers, Lou Williams agree to three-year, $21M free agent deal. http://t.co/2wR3f4i8oP

I guess the Lakers are going all in afterall