But their top targets went elsewhere, leaving them with limited options.
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On July 9th, the Pacers finalized a deal with the Lakers to send Hibbert to the West Coast in exchange for a future second-round pick.
Sure, none of the three players are expected to contend for MVP status anytime soon, but they still represent quality additions to a roster that, as Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has said, needs plenty of help at every position after finishing a franchise-worst 21-61 last season.
Roy Hibbert, Lou Williams and Brandon Bass had their introductory news conference with the Lakers on Wednesday, and one reporter was rightly focused on the warmth of Kobe Bryant’s welcome for his new teammates and lesser beings.
“I want to get back to playing to the ability that I have been the past couple of years”, Hibbert said.
Hibbert’s production and involvement in the offense slumped as the Pacers looked to play faster.
Man, I’m just happy to be here. Bass smiled. Bryant, who turns 37 next month, is entering the final year of his contract, which will pay him a league-high $25 million next season.
“This is an organization with a very rich tradition”, Williams said.
“You have to embrace change”, Hibbert said. “I worked with him a lot last summer and he keeps up with me and always gives my advice and things to work on”.
“I’m excited to be here and I am ready for a fresh start”, Hibbert said. “I’ve been in the [Eastern Conference] the first 10 years of my career”. “… If he comes back, we’re probably going to play a different style, and I can’t guarantee him anything”.
Bass joins the Lakers after playing four seasons with their biggest rival, the Boston Celtics. I think that should be able to help the team out as much as possible.
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I’m sure there’s a perfectly fine reason for all of this. When the Kobe question was asked, the three guys leaned back from their microphones and looked into the crowd like: “Cool, it’s already starting”.
