After acquiring Steve Nash via sign-and-trade, the rumors started to circulate about veteran Grant Hill possibly following in his former teammate’s footsteps by also signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. The news of Hill started to subside with a potential retirement announcement on the horizon, but now it appears the free agent is leaning towards signing with the Lakers according to John Gambadoro of Sports 620 KTAR via Twitter:
Hearing Grant Hill leaning towards Lakers after big push by Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo620) July 13, 2012
At this point in time, it seems as though the Lakers’ front office is waiting for a verdict on Dwight Howard before making any considerable moves in free agency. With recent news of the Houston Rockets going all in and willing to trade practically everyone on the roster to acquire the superstar center while taking on all the bad contracts the Orlando Magic has to offer, it’s safe to say the Los Angeles Lakers may be out of the running.
Last week, it was reported that Hill narrowed down his short list of potential teams to the Lakers, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder. With Miami signing both Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, the Heat may no longer be an option. The Thunder on the other hand may still be interested with a nice spot in the rotation available, but it appears that signing with the Lakers is a much more attractive scenario for Hill.
With Hill in the mix in Los Angeles, the Lakers will be much improved off the bench with a viable backup option for Kobe Bryant. Not only does Hill fill the void at shooting guard, but he also has the ability to play multiple positions and flourished during his time alongside Nash in Phoenix.
There’s nothing immanent as of yet, but Hill may be signing with the Lakers sooner rather than later. There’s no question at this point in time that the Lakers offer a great opportunity for playing time and a chance at winning an NBA title next season.
