Signing Danny Green this summer will pay huge dividends for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a complete roster turnover this offseason, starting with moving their young core for Anthony Davis. The deal proved one thing, the Lakers are in it to win now. One move that hasn’t been talked about enough is the signing of Danny Green.
Green was signed to a two-year contract with $30 million. While it’s a hefty price tag for the 31-year-old veteran, he will be worth the price. He is one of the best “3-and-D” players in the league.
Many remember Danny Green from the 2013 NBA Finals, when he made 27 three-pointers playing for the Spurs. The 27 threes were an NBA Finals record until Stephen Curry broke it in 2016.
Green is a man of a lot of playoff experience. He has played in 124 playoff games. In his postseason career, he averages 8.1 points on 40% from deep.
He is simply a winner. He is a two-time NBA champion. He even won an NCAA title with North Carolina in 2009.
This past season he was a vital piece to the Toronto Raptors, who won their first title in franchise history. In game three of the NBA Finals he had 18 points on 6-of-10 from 3-point range. His shooting was a huge reason the Raptors took a 2-1 lead against the Warriors. The Raptors went on to win in six games.
Green will immediately bolster the Lakers shooting. The Lakers shot only 33% from 3-point range, which ranked 29th in the league. Green was second in the NBA in three-point shooting (46%). In his career, he is a 40% shooter from downtown. On the season, Green averaged 10.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 28 minutes.
Playing alongside two superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, will make things easy for Green. Green thrives as an open shot maker.
Not only is Green a great shooter, he is a respectable defender. The veteran has made an All-Defensive Second Team (2017). His ability to defend both wing spots and some lead guards will be huge for the Lakers. The Lakers lost some versatile defenders in Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram.
With Green entering his 11th season, it’s a good thing that the Lakers went short term. Green should have similar stats to his previous season, and if he can shoot anything above 38% from deep, it will go a long way for the Lakers.
Danny Green is what you call a safe signing. You know what you’re going to get. A player who knows his role, a player who knows what it takes to win, and a good locker room guy. Look for Green to make some big shots come playoff time.
Contenders will certainly be scratching their heads, wondering why they didn’t target Green.