Lakers could be eligible for disabled players exception

The Lakers have until Tuesday to apply for a “disabled players exception” for Jordan Hill.

It was announced on Friday that Hill will miss the remainder of the season with a hip injury that will sideline the forward-center for six months.

According to the Larry Coon’s NBA Salary Cap FAQ, the Lakers can apply for an exception worth half of Hill’s $3.56-million salary. There’s no guarantee the league will approve the exception if the Lakers even apply for it, but if granted, the Lakers would gain about $1.78 million in additional spending power.

The Lakers can use that $1.78 million to either sign a player for the remainder of the year, or trade for one in the final year of his contract (with an additional $100,000 of leeway via trade for a $1.88-million maximum).

Earlier in the week, the Lakers waived rookie guard Darius Johnson-Odom, opening up a roster spot below the maximum of 15.

Additionally, the Lakers have $1.59 million left in their mid-level exception. The team also possesses three trade exceptions ($1.42 million for Luke Walton, $1.17 million for Christian Eyenga and $544,240 for Derek Fisher).

The Lakers have the means to acquire an additional player but it’s unclear what path the organization takes from here, and what opportunities become available.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.