Lakers decline Jordan Hill’s contract option for coming season
Lakers forward Jordan Hill reaches for a rebound during a win over the Boston Celtics on Feb. 22, 2015.
The Lakers have declined their team option on Jordan Hill’s contract, making the forward/center an unrestricted free agent in July, according to a person with access to the NBA’s daily transactions.
Hill signed a two-year, $18-million contract last season, with the second year at the team’s discretion.
The team will still hold his rights, although as a free agent, he’ll take up $13.5 million of the team’s spending power with his cap hold.
The Lakers will need to renounce Hill to remove his salary completely from their books.
Once they do, along with similar free agents like Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin, the Lakers could have almost $23 million in spending power in free agency.
The team is hoping to lure a top free agent in July, like Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge or Clippers center DeAndre Jordan.
The Lakers also can look to re-sign Hill, if they strike out with their top choices in free agency.
Through 70 games with the team last season, Hill averaged 10.0 points and 7.9 rebounds a game
The Lakers have yet to announce their decision on Hill.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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