Los Angeles Lakers who have played their way off next year’s roster

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2 of 3
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

2. Danny Green

Danny Green was supposed to be the third-best player on the Los Angeles Lakers as well as the best three and D player that LeBron James ever played with. At least, that is what the numbers said when the Lakers signed Green to a two-year deal last Summer.

Things started really well for Green. His game-tying three at the end of regulation against the Dallas Mavericks in an early-season nationally televised game seemed to be his crowning moment. Since then, it has been all downhill.

Green was already playing below standards before the NBA’s hiatus and has played even worse in the bubble. His three-point shot has not been nearly reliant enough to justify starter-caliber minutes and his defense, while solid, can be replaced by those on the Lakers’ roster.

Green has become expendable. The Los Angeles Lakers are not going to be out shopping the three and D player but he undoubtedly will not be untouchable in trade talks. Plus, he has that perfect “in-between” contract to pair with other assets to acquire a true improvement in an offseason trade.

A name that comes to mind is Victor Oladipo, who already has trade rumors circling around his name and could be a Lakers’ trade target (stay tuned for a fun Oladipo article over the weekend).

Just Green alone is not enough to make a significant improvement, bringing us to the third and final player on this list.