Jordan Hill Is Los Angeles Lakers' MVP So Far This Season

By Pablo Jacobo
Jordan Hill Los Angeles Lakers
Richard Mackson- USA TODAY Sports

In a grim season for one of the most decorated franchises in all sports, the Los Angeles Lakers have had few exciting moments. With a record of 5-16, one bright spot has emerged: Jordan Hill. The 6-foot-10 power forward/center out of Arizona has quietly been improving for the purple and gold.

A first-round pick by the New York Knicks, Hill has found a home in Los Angeles. She he was acquired via trade from the Houston Rockets for Derek Fisher, Hill has made an impact on the Lakers with his energy and rebounding. This season he’s averaging 13 points and nine rebounds per game. Those are not All-Star numbers, but Hill has been gradually improving each season with the Lakers.

Hill has shown tremendous instincts for rebounding the basketball on both ends of the floor and is pulling down a career-high nine boards per game. He’s fourth in the entire league in offensive rebounds (3.8). At one point, he led the league in this category. The power forward never quits on a loose ball. As a result of Hill crashing the glass, he’s been getting to the free-throw line frequently. He’s making the most out of his free-throw opportunities as well, shooting 80 percent from the line. His rebounding prowess is what pressured the Lakers to re-sign him after Dwight Howard bailed.

He’s played three full seasons with the Lakers and each season he continues to improve. Most notably, Hill has developed a nice jumper to his game. He’s shooting 50 percent from the field, and he can pick-and-pop or roll to the basket. Through 21 games this season, he’s been knocking down that 18-20 foot jumper consistently. His offensive put-backs have also helped his field goal percentage. Hill has hit the jumper and/or grabbed a rebound to give the Lakers multiple second chance opportunities all year.

The fifth-year pro has proven that if he’s given enough time on the court he can make an impact. Hill is comfortable doing the dirty work for the team, so no play-calls are needed for him. With his hustle he will find the ball. Hill is making $9 million this year with a team option for next season, and he carries an expiring contract which is a hot commodity in the NBA. The Lakers remain adamant in preserving their cap space until next year. They may look at moving Hill to a team that’s in need of his skill set.

The Lakers’ record may not reflect what Hill brings to the table. Keep in mind that they have been in multiple close games this year. Hill has been a protagonist in helping the team stay in games by hitting a few outside jumpers or rebounding the basketball to give the Lakers second shots. Hill is developing into a solid role player, and each season he’s improved across the board statistically. He’s undoubtedly the MVP thus far for the Lakers.

Pablo Jacobo is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @getempsports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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