Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors 2016: Potential trading of Roy Hibbert to prepare for post-Kobe Bryant era?
As the Los Angeles Lakers slowly begin their rebuilding phase with franchise star Kobe Bryant playing in his last season, trading center Roy Hibbert might be one of the moves they can accomplish for a better future.
Once Bryant leaves, the Lakers will have talented young players like Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Larry Nance Jr. left, but it is uncertain if that is enough to make them contenders.
However, a report by The Inquisitr suggested that Los Angeles can trade Hibbert as it looks forward to a life without Bryant.
Hibbert was acquired by the Lakers via a trade deal with the Indiana Pacers in the offseason to add a force in the paint.
But as the season rolled and continues to progress, Hibbert is showing that he is a one-trick pony, with his ability to protect the rim being the only good aspect of his game.
SB Nation stated in its report that the Lakers are actually doing worse every time Hibbert is on the floor.
Teams that have great shooters are given the opportunity to capitalize on their shots, since Hibbert is focused on protecting the rim which leaves the rest of the court open, SB Nation mentioned.
The report added that because Hibbert stays very close to the basket trying to defend it, opposing players have the chance to hoist floaters and runners, while big men who can shoot are giving him a hard time defensively.
Hibbert is also not an explosive scorer, which makes him a more limited player with the things he can do on the floor.
This season, the 29-year-old is only averaging 6.7 points a game (career-worst) when he is the main center for the Lakers, playing and starting in all 46 of their games.
What the Lakers can do before the trade deadline arrives is to find a team willing to take Hibbert and send out young players or future draft picks to complete a deal.
The Lakers are unlikely to get a blockbuster deal out of Hibbert, especially with his performance this season, but they can get quality players and picks that may be of help to the franchise in the future.
