Despite taking point guard Lonzo Ball as the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers still plan to add veteran playmakers George Hill or Rajon Rondo to their roster. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers and George are discussing a potential one-year contract. Acquiring Hill via a short contract will give Ball a veteran mentor and preserve cap space for next summer. Wojnarowski’s source said the Lakers plan to start both Ball and Hill as lead guards.
Aside from the Lakers, the New York Knicks are also trying to pursue Hill, the top remaining point guard in the free-agent market.
The 31-year-old Hill averaged 16.9 points and 4.2 assists in 49 games with the Utah Jazz last season. The Jazz earlier traded with the Minnesota Timberwolves for younger point guard Ricky Rubio, making Hill expendable in Utah. The Jazz became concerned about Hill’s injuries, which limited Hill to just 50 or fewer games in three of his last seasons. If fully healthy, Hill can provide immediate impact with his playmaking abilities and outside shooting.
Lakers also eyeing Rajon Rondo
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the Lakers are giving “strong consideration” to Rondo, who was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls. The move saved the Bulls $10 million of Rondo’s $13.4 million salary next season.
The 31-year-old Rondo averaged just 7.8 points per game last season but his locker room presence and veteran savvy could be a big help for the Lakers as they develop their young squad.
According to KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Rondo is loved by young teammates and respected by management during his tenure with the Bulls.
In addition to the Lakers, Rondo is also interested in joining the Los Angeles Clippers while the Knicks plan to reach out to him.
Ball to sign rookie deal with Lakers
The 19-year-old Ball will officially be a Laker when he signs his four-year rookie contract Monday. Under the maximum allowable contract, Ball will sign a four-year deal worth $33.4 million or the full 120 percent of the allowable contract for the No.
2 selection. A press conference is expected after Ball officially signs his deal.
When the Lakers introduced Ball to the media, team president of basketball operations Magic Johnson called him the “new face of the team” for his leadership qualities and high basketball IQ. During his one year at UCLA, Ball averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game as the Bruins improved from 15-17 to 31-5.
