Lakers Acquire Center Hibbert From Pacers
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Lakers have traded away a future second-round draft pick in exchange for Indiana Pacers' center Roy Hibbert.
The Lakers needed depth in the front-court and that is exactly what Hibbert brings to the table. Hibbert is over seven-feet tall and is a two-time NBA All-Star.
Hibbert has spent his entire career with the Indiana Pacers after being drafted by them with the 17th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Hibbert went to college at Georgetown University and played under coach John Thompson III.
Last season, Hibbert averaged 15.0 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, and 2.3 blocks per game, in 76 games played with Indiana.
He made the Eastern Conference All-Star teams in 2013-2014 and 2011-2012.
Hibbert helped lead the Pacers to two straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances versus the Miami Heat.
Pacers executive thanked Hibbert for his tenure with the Pacers in a statement Thursday.
"I'd like to thank Roy for all his contributions during his time in Indiana. He was a two-time All-Star, and we appreciate everything he did for our franchise both on and off the court", Bird said.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak also weighed in by saying, "We're happy to add a veteran big man to the roster".
Hibbert brings size and experience to the table, and will certainly help Julius Randle on the defensive end as a rim protector.
Interestingly enough, The Pacers signed former Laker Jordan Hill Thursday, as the two teams basically swapped big men. Hibbert is under contract for one more year and his contract is worth over $15 million.
The year in which the Pacers will receive a Lakers second round draft pick in compensation for Hibbert has yet to be disclosed.
