Hinson signs two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers
The 2024 NBA Draft concluded on Thursday evening after a two-day, 58-pick event. Former Pitt forward Blake Hinson was not among the 58 selections, but he quickly came to an agreement with one of the league’s most storied franchises. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Hinson has agreed to terms on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for two years.
The next step for Hinson will be to participate in the NBA Summer League with the Lakers, set to begin in July in Las Vegas in an attempt to make the team’s active roster. The former Pitt star will likely spend time this upcoming season with the South Bay Lakers of the G League as part of his two-way deal.
Hinson leaves Pitt after one of the best two-year runs in recent memory for the program. The well-traveled transfer quickly found a role in Pittsburgh and became a prolific scoring threat and was the fourth fastest player ever to reach 1,000 career points at Pitt. Hinson became known for his outside shooting prowess and connected on 207 in 69 career games as a Panther, good for seventh in school history. As a senior, he averaged 18.5 points per game and was named first team All-ACC.
The 6-foot-8 forward will look to carve out a role in the NBA, and his outside shot is what should keep him in the mix. Not only did Hinson make 3s a high volume, he had virtually unlimited range and still shot at a 42% clip this past season. The modern NBA is always looking for more outside shooting and it’s a skill Hinson can claim.
Of course, joining a franchise like the Lakers will be quite a contrast from his teammate, Bub Carrington, who was drafted No. 14 overall and will begin his career with the Wizards.
Hinson is walking into a franchise that always carries a significant amount of the league’s spotlight, but perhaps even more than usual. Los Angeles selected Bronny James with the 55th overall pick on Thursday, which should create a seismic media circus as he potentially will play next to his dad, LeBron James, for the purple and gold this upcoming season. Hinson’s career will begin alongside his fellow rookie teammate, and also under first-year head coach JJ Redick.
Hinson, along with Carrington, will look to become the third and fourth Pitt players under current head coach Jeff Capel to make it in the NBA. Former Panthers Justin Champagnie and Mo Gueye both saw time win active rosters this season.