Jordan Hill will head into free agency after the Lakers decided not to pick up his option for the 2015-16 season, Baxter Holmes of ESPN reports.

Hill will head into free agency after the Lakers decided not to pick up his option for the 2015-16 season, Baxter Holmes of ESPN reports.

Analysis:

Hill actually had the best statistical season of his six-year career last year in Los Angeles, but he's apparently not a part of their long-term plans as the franchise regroups after a lackluster finish to their 2014-15 campaign. His departure creates more opportunities for Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black, and incoming rookie Larry Nance, while also allowing Julius Randle the opportunity to step into the starting five after spending last year recovering from a broken leg. As for Hill's value moving forward, it's entirely dependent upon where he ends up as he could easily be a starter or a rarely-used bench player depending on the quality of his new team.