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Lakers Rumors: Former Laker Roy Hibbert leaving NBA behind

By Mason Kern

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during a game against the Miami Heat on March 10, 2013 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2013 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during a game against the Miami Heat on March 10, 2013 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2013 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After a nine-year NBA career, including one season spent with the Los Angeles Lakers, two-time All-Star Roy Hibbert is reportedly calling professional basketball quits.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have swirled throughout the offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers have made a variety of moves this offseason. In the process, they lost their starting, and backup, center but drafted a rookie and signed a veteran to fill the holes.

Rumors have been swirling as to if the team would sign another big to solidify the starting spot. Count Roy Hibbert officially off the watchlist.

Recently, TMZ Sports caught up with Hibbert and asked about his interest in possibly making a return to Hollywood to compete alongside LeBron James. His response:

"“I’m good on it right now.”"

He did flatter The King though, saying any player would want to play with James because he makes everyone better. When prompted as to whether or not he wanted to play in the league at all anymore?

"“It’s time to move on.”"

Hibbert spent a majority of his time playing for the Indiana Pacers before making the move to Hollywood for the 2015-16 season. Although he appeared in 81 games that year, he never found his place in their system, and his numbers took a heavy dip. He averaged 5.9 points and 4.9 boards per contest, a sharp decline from his time in Indiana.

Hibbert made two All-Star appearances: the first in the 2011-12 season, and again in the 2013-14 campaign. He was also an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection in the latter year.

He last split time between the Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets in the 2016-17 season, finishing up his career with Denver.

In reality, the game of basketball outpaced Hibbert. Had he played 20 years ago, his style of the game would flourish. A dominant low-post big man with sneaky athleticism and playmaking ability. However, in a league that has evolved into a guard’s game, traditional centers have lost their luster.

The centers that survive have to adapt to today’s brand of basketball. Extend their range into deeper territory. Work on facets of the offense outside of the post, while maintaining defensive physicality.

Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft is an evolved center. He is the archetype that modern NBA teams covet. One that can shoot the ball with accuracy, and create his own shot not just on the block, but virtually anywhere on the offensive third.

Traditional centers like Hibbert are on their way out. All-Stars do not typically leave their sport four seasons after their last appearance, but the league is changing.

Next: 10 Greatest Centers in Lakers History

The name of the game now is adapt, or make room for those who will.

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