The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on point guard George Hill, who agreed to a lucrative three-year deal with the Sacramento Kings.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been very quiet during free agency thus far. They have been linked to a number of players, but have yet to sign anyone to a contract. With their eyes set on the bigger names in the 2018 free agent class, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach this season.
Los Angeles is looking to sign some players, but only on their terms. The Lakers want to offer one-year deals to keep their future cap clean. 1+1 deals would also be in play, as the Lakers could opt to keep them if they meet expectations or cut them lose if they fall short.
One of the players that the Lakers were linked to was George Hill. Hill played with the Utah Jazz in 2016-17 and had one of the best seasons of his career. He scored a career-high 16.9 points, making 47.7 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
Hill is known for his defense and three-point shooting, the two things the Lakers really need. He could have played alongside Lonzo Ball in the starting lineup and spelled him at point guard when he needed a rest.
Free agent George Hill and reps are meeting with the Lakers today in Los Angeles, discussing a one-year deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2017
Lakers envision a scenario in which Hill and Lonzo could start as lead guards, per source https://t.co/mSgR9DVgPc
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 3, 2017
But, the Lakers were not interested in doing anything more than a one-year deal, as Adrian Wojnarowski said. That ultimately was the Lakers downfall in signing Hill.
While it sounded like Hill and the Lakers have some productive talks, he will be playing elsewhere in California.
Shams Charania of The Vertical reported that Hill and the Sacramento Kings agreed to a three-year, $57 million deal.
Free agent George Hill has reached agreement on a three-year, $57M deal with the Sacramento Kings, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 4, 2017
The Lakers were hoping that George would have to settle for a one-year deal as the free agent market was drying up. The Denver Nuggets and Kings were two of the only teams with money to spend, and Hill landed a lucrative deal with Sacramento.
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Lakers fans will be disappointed, but unlike the Paul George situation, Los Angeles didn’t have a competitive offer this time. Had George signed with the Lakers, it would have been a settle because there was nothing better out there.
Not only did Hill land more years with the Kings, he also received more money per season. While it is disappointing to see the Lakers continue to strike out in free agency, it is nice to see Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka stick to their plan.
Throwing a long-term deal at a 31-year old point guard would have made little sense for the Lakers. With Hill now off the board, the Lakers interest in Rajon Rondo could intensify if they truly want to add a veteran point guard.
Whatever the Lakers decide to do, you can be sure that it will not cost them long-term money. They are looking to keep their books clean, which means a multi-year deal is unlikely to be offered to anyone.
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If that is truly the case, Lakers fans may be waiting a couple more days until they sign anyone. Once Gordon Hayward signs, dominoes should begin to fall in place and the Lakers can scour the market for players who have been overlooked that will have to settle for one-year deals.