The Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers have filed a disabled players exception for Hill. If the league accepts the Lakers’ request, the front office will be given more flexibility in search for a replacement.
A disabled player exception can be awarded to a team when a player is projected to be out for the season (until at least June 15). Hill said his recovery is expected to take six months.
If the league grants the Lakers’ request, the team would gain an additional $1.78 million in spending power (half of Hill’s contract this season). The Lakers can use the exception to sign a player for the remainder of the season. It can also be used in trade to acquire a player in the final year of his contract, making up to $1.88 million.
The Lakers will likely go after another big man in hopes that he can fill the void left by Hill. Los Angeles relied on Hill to bring in instant offense from the bench and he provided the team with much needed defense and intensity.
Before the injury this season, Hill averaged 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.