Jordan Hill: Lakers Coach Byron Scott ‘disappointed’ with his season

Jordan Hill spoke to the media on Thursday after his exit interview with Coach Byron Scott and General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

“He was disappointed,” Hill said of Scott. “He wanted to see more energy from me this year, which I didn’t show.”

Hill said he understood his coach’s criticism.

“I agree with him. The first month, I was showing [energy],” said Hill. “It was the first time I had all these minutes on my hands.”

After feeling tired and fatigued, Hill “decided to try and pace myself a little more.”

Hill played 70 games, starting a career-high 57, averaging 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds a game, shooting 45.9% from the field.

The Lakers have to decide before July if they want to pay Hill $9 million for next season. If they decline his option, the forward/center will become a free agent.

“It’s going to be a big off-season for the Lakers,” said Hill. Of his option, he said “it’s up in the air right now.”

“I definitely would love to come back here, but everybody understands the business,” he continued.

Hill progressively relied on his outside shot through the season, instead of playing closer to the basket. That may not change as he hopes to expand his shooting range this summer.

“Shooting a lot more, it took away from my rebounding,” he said. “I’m just trying to increase my game every year ... hopefully get to the three-point line next year.”

He also said he’ll work throughout the summer to improve his conditioning.

“I know what I did, know what I need to do next time,” said Hill. “I did show improvement, progression.”

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