5 Trades That Could Turn The Lakers Into Contenders

Indiana’s fortunes could not have turned any worse this summer. First, they watched Lance Stephenson walk to Charlotte, then lost Paul George to his gruesome leg injury within the same month. George is likely done for the year, and Indiana will quickly look to empty the ship.

Unfortunately, Hibbert’s stock has never been lower. After an abysmal year last year, his contract is going to be hard to move. The Lakers have the ability to turn his $14 million over two years into essentially an expiring deal with Jordan Hill and Steve Nash, while also throwing in a first round pick. The Pacers may want multiple assets, but settling for clear cap space and an extra first round pick this spring is nearly as good as it’ll get.

Hibbert paired with the young Julius Randle could give the Lakers their own lesser version of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, at least for two seasons. Hibbert’s defense will fit nicely into Byron Scott‘s defense-first mentality, as well.