Trade deadlines can be a stressful time for professional athletes, but they can also be an excuse for having a little fun. Whenever a trade deadline approaches, an athlete with a cheap or expiring contract may hear his name pop up in trade rumors. Even if the player would welcome a trade, the uncertainty of the player's future on that day can make him extremely anxious. For those who do not wish to be traded, the trade deadline can be incredibly nerve-racking. The Los Angeles Lakers' Jordan Hill may have heard his name pop up in trade talks recently, but he told Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News that he would like to remain with the Lakers. As Thursday's trade deadline approached, Hill was probably a little on edge. Byron Scott and the Lakers coaching staff used that to their advantage.
The Orange County Register's Bill Oram has the story on the Lakers' trade deadline prank: "Hill was the victim of an age-old prank Wednesday when coaches told him Kupchak wanted to see him. "He just started walking," Scott said, "(and was) like 'What's wrong? What's up?' Then we just started laughing." "There have certainly been more elaborate pranks in the past. However, this one was just enough to get a good laugh-and probably freak Hill out for at least a moment or two.