After missing out on franchise-changing free agents such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, and Jimmy Butler, the Los Angeles Lakers are settling on second and third-tier players by signing Lou Williams and Brandon Bass on separate deals. The team is also reportedly close in a trade that will send All-Star center Roy Hibbert to Hollywood, as per ESPN.

Like Us on Facebook

The report said that both teams are "discussing the final framework of the deal" which can only be made official after the July 9 roster cessation is lifted. The Lakers were said to be prepared to absorb the 7-foot-2 center's $15.5 million remuneration for next season as they lost out on all their big-name targets this offseason.

Hibbert recently had issues in Indiana after team president Larry Bird publicly announced that he would have a diminished role with the Pacers next season. Bird and coach Frank Vogel reportedly agreed to go for a smaller and faster lineup that is anchored on All-Star Paul George, which led to the acquisition of spitfire guard Monta Ellis via a $44 million, four-year transaction.

Bird was said to be hoping that the former Georgetown Hoya would choose to be a free agent this summer, but he opted in on his contract instead. With the Pacers' seeming unwillingness to spend that much on a dispensable player, they are now talking with the Lakers for a possible trade.

Bleacher Report said that Mitch Kupchak's Hibbert alternative is a "stopgap measure," a perfect temporary solution since the seven-footer's contract will expire next year when the team can again bid for upcoming free agents. But if the NBA All-Defensive Second Teamer could show that he can thrive in Byron's Scott's rotation, then he may be in the squad's long-term plans.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have also added free agents Lou Williams and Brandon Bass to fill up their roster needs. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Williams accepted a three-year, $21 million offer from the team while Bass' deal is still not disclosed as it may require the trade or release of some players to accommodate him.

Potential candidates to clear up cap space are Nick Young, Ryan Kelly, or Robert Sacre, in which Young is the primary entrant since he has three years and $16 million left on his deal.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Los Angeles Lakers, Roy Hibbert, Lou Williams, Brandon Bass