April 6, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill (27) shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2. Re-Signing Hill Allows the Team to Focus on other Needs This Offseason
The Lakers have so many needs it is hard to know where to start this offseason. The biggest need is at small forward where the team has no one who is capable of starting. They also need an effective scorer who can share playing time with Kobe Bryant at the shooting guard position or replace him if he is injured. The teams needs outside shooting in general. The center position is also weak, although the team is expected to draft Jahlil Okafor to address that need. Even if the Lakers draft Okafor, all rookies go through a normal adjustment period when they join the NBA. Hill is not a bad guy to have in reserve while Okafor is learning the ropes.
-== Best Lakers Draft Pick & Free Agent Pairings ==-
There is a presumption that the Lakers will try to re-sign Ed Davis or Hill, but not both. Some would prefer Davis, as he is younger and stronger defensively. However, Davis is likely to get offers from other teams for multi-year deals which he will find too attractive to decline. The Lakers, for whatever reason, do not see Davis as a starter and he will presumably want a shot at starting. Though he lacks great size and strength, Davis’ skill-set makes him more of a natural center, while Hill can play both center and power forward. In short, Davis will likely opt to go elsewhere which leaves Hill for the Lakers.
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