5 Step Plan to Winning Championship With Kobe Bryant

February 20, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center

(27) grabs a rebound against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Step 2: Part Ways With Jordan Hill

Compared to the other steps, this one is not very exciting.  Whether he was backing up Pau Gasol, or was being relied on as the go-to scorer on the worst team in the NBA, Jordan Hill always left everything he had on the court.  He always lived up to the fans’ expectations, and has become a fan favorite in LA.  However, he is not worth nine million dollars next season.  Hill is on a team option for next season, meaning that the Lakers have the choice to keep him for next year or let him and his contract go.  This summer has too many free agents to keep those nine million dollars in the team salary.

If the Lakers keep Hill, they will be able to sign one elite player, but nothing else.  If they get rid of Hill, they will have nearly 32 million dollars to spend this summer, meaning a max contract player plus another potential starter.  Jordan Hill is a great big man to have on a team, but if the Lakers keep him, his contract could stunt the rebuilding process.

Next: Must go big in free agency