Roy Hibbert
IN PHOTO: Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) posts up against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. REUTERS/Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on other top players in free agency but will acquire center Roy Hibbert in a trade with the Indiana Pacers.

Hibbert’s time in Indiana was numbered as the Pacers brass preferred for him not to opt-in of the final year of his contract for the 2015-2016 season but the big man picked up his $15.5 million option to stay in Indiana rather than go to free agency.

Marc Stein of ESPN.com was among the first to report the Hibbert to Los Angeles signing. No official trade has been consummated but it is expected to be official by July 9 and will most likely involve L.A.’s picks going to Indiana.

The Pacers’ decision to move Hibbert is in line with the franchise’s plan to adapt a faster-paced system moving forward. Indiana also lost veteran David West to free agency in this offseason. The 28-year-old Hibbert has played for the Pacers since 2008. He was valued around the league in previous years because of his rim protection and defence. He made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2014.

For his seven-year NBA career, Hibbert has averages of 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.9 blocked shots per game.

With the Lakers, Hibbert is expected to play as the starting center of the squad, which will feature veteran Kobe Bryant, young guys Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell, among others next season.

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