The Los Angeles Lakers have stopped crying about their misfortunes it seems, LaMarcus is gone. Pretty much every player they wanted is gone. But good on them, they’re still plugging away, trying to create a team that’s watchable at least.
One move they’re close to pulling off is Indiana’s Roy Hibbert. According to ESPN.com they’re discussing the final framework and should be done after July 9th.
The Lakers will absorb Hibbert’s $15.5 million salary for next season into their salary-cap space, sources said.
Pacers president Larry Bird has made it fairly obvious since the end of Indiana’s season that Hibbert is no longer in the club’s plans. The Pacers were hoping that Hibbert would opt for free agency this summer, but he elected to exercise his player option for the coming season valued at $15.5 million.
As ESPN.com reported on draft night, when Hibbert’s decision to opt in became known, Indiana pledged then to try to trade its interior defensive anchor as it pursues a faster playing style.
If you’re wondering why it’ll take 4-5 days, it is because of a leaguewide moratorium on NBA rosters. A moratorium is basically a delay of sorts, which means that free agents do the meetings and after July 9th, then the players can officially sign and enter those new deals. Simple right?
I’m surprised they haven’t trade Hibbert sooner to be honest. But saying that he was known for being historically bad for a few months. Remember all the memes of Roy Hibbert being compared to a garbage can? And the Twitter accounts like “Did Roy Hibbert Miss?” Ah those were the days. Guess the Lakers have forgotten about that and don’t mind having him. Well it’s either him or Robert Sacre so each to their own. Both parties need these deals, so in that case it’s a good one.
