The Lakers have declined to pick up a $9 million team option on Jordan Hill for the 2015-16 season, according to a league source familiar with the situation.
The Lakers had until Tuesday to make this decision, but the team has leaned toward this way ever since the 2014-15 season ended for numerous reasons.
First, the Lakers currently have five power forwards on their roster, including Julius Randle, Larry Nance. Jr, Tarik Black and Ryan Kelly. That does not account for Ed Davis, who has declined his $1.1 million player option for a longer deal.
Secondly, the Lakers will prioritize targeting front-court players in free agency, including Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, Memphis’ Marc Gasol, the Clippers DeAndre Jordan, Cleveland’s Kevin Love and Detroit’s Greg Monroe.