Forward Jordan Hill has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, agent Kevin Bradbury told Yahoo Sports.

The second year of the contract is a team option.

The Lakers greatly valued Hill, and held off a market that included the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, league sources said. He's a favorite of teammate Kobe Bryant, who has long been an advocate to re-signing him.

Hill averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in 72 games last season for the Lakers. He has averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in five NBA seasons, including the past 2½ with the Lakers.