Lakers' Jordan Hill avoids jail time with no contest plea

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jordan Hill pleaded no contest to assault chargers on Thursday, allowing him to avoid jail time and be ready for the start of Lakers training camp.

Hill, who was accused of choking his former girlfriend in February, must pay a $500 fine, undergo domestic violence counseling and make a $100 donation to a violence fund. Hill's attorney, Rusty Hardin Jr., said the conviction would disappear from Hill's record if he demonstrates good behavior for the year he is on probation.

If convicted of the original felony charge, Hill could have faced up to 10 years in prison. With the plea deal, the charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Hill's attorney said the 25-year-old agreed to the deal in an effort to put the situation behind him and focus on the upcoming season.

While he was able to avoid jail time, the incident may not entirely be a thing of the past. Hill's former girlfriend intends to file a civil suit, according to the Associated Press.