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NBA Rumors: Lakers and Pacers discussing Roy Hibbert trade

By Charles Rahrig V

Dec 20, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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After failing to land several free agents, the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers are discussing a trade that would send center Roy Hibbert to Indiana according to reports.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperation mode after not landing any big name free agents or any free agents for that matter. With the team striking out on the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and Robin Lopez, the franchise was void of a center on the roster, except for Robert Sacre.

Well it appears that the Lakers are turning to Plan G or Plan H. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Lakers are “actively” discussing a deal that would land Pacers center Roy Hibbert in the city of angels.

Hibbert is in the final year of his contract after picking up his option for this season. He will be paid approximately $15.5 million this coming season.

At one point, Hibbert was considered one of the better centers in the NBA, but his game has almost fallen off of a cliff in the last couple of years. He still holds value in this league and is a solid rim protector thanks to his large frame, but he offers almost nothing on the offensive end and has shown that the mental aspect of the game can get to him on the court.

On the Lakers end, there’s no doubt they need a center, but to take on Hibbert’s contract  reeks of absolute desperation at this point. With an aging Kobe Bryant heading out the door, a young unproven roster and the national focus being on how they butchered the free agent meetings they had, the move to acquire an overpaid center likely wouldn’t help matters.

The smarter move would have been to go after a Kosta Koufous, who would have been a much cheaper option. Perhaps the Lakers would be able to receive an asset or two for taking on the contract of Hibbert. That remains to be seen.

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