Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Hill will have an expanded role

When the Los Angeles Lakers re-sign big man Jordan Hill to a two-year, $18 million deal, many rolled their eyes. Hill has not averaged double figures in scoring or grabbed more than 7.4 rebounds rebounds per game at any point in his career.

More from Los Angeles Lakers

However, John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders believes Hill will have an expanded role and could be in for a big season.

"Last year, Hill started in only 32 games for the Lakers and played, on average, just 20.8 minutes per game. But when he was on the court, outside of Pau Gasol, Hill was the Lakers’ most dynamic big. He averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds. This may not seem overly impressive, but if you take a look at his per 36 minutes numbers – 16.7 PPG and 12.8 RPG – there is no reason to think that Hill won’t be a major contributor if given more minutes. With Mike D’Antoni out of the picture in L.A. and Brian Shaw taking over, the Lakers will likely go with a much more traditional lineup this year. Expect Hill to play a much bigger role this upcoming season."

Hill went for 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 54.9% from the field and 68.5% from the free throw line last season. Hill was originally selected by the New York Knicks with the eighth-overall pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft but was dealt to the Houston Rockets after just 24 games with the Knicks. He joined the Lakers in 2012. In his five-year career, he’s gone for 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51.4% from the floor and 67.9% from the charity stripe.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.