Los Angeles Lakers: Why Danilo Gallinari is the perfect free-agent target

By Jason Reed | Oct 14, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 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) /

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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Danilo Gallinari’s fit on the Los Angeles Lakers:

I don’t say this lightly: Danilo Gallinari fits on the Los Angeles Lakers like a glove. There could not be a more perfect skillset for the Lakers to pursue based on what the team needs/how the team is going to operate.

Gallinari is an elite three-point shooter. He is a career 38% three-point shooter and has shot a combined 41.8% from beyond the arc over the last two seasons. While the Lakers are not a three-point dominant team, they do benefit from having guys around LeBron James and Anthony Davis that can stretch the floor.

Not only is he an elite three-point shooter but he is a good slasher to the rim the would benefit immensely in playing off-ball next to LeBron James. He is not a great defensive player, but as a forward, that can be masked next to Anthony Davis.

Better yet: he is an experienced veteran. That has been the Lakers’ M-O since they traded for Anthony Davis and it absolutely helped the team in the bubble. Granted, Rob Pelinka was not expecting the bubble, but that expeirence matters in the postseason.

Gallinari is not someone who is not going to want to take that big shot or back down in a big moment. He has been there, has seen a lot in this league and is going to be a new, hungry veteran to add to the roster to fuel that title motivation.

It is a perfect fit. Great three-point shooter, elite free-throw shooter, good off-ball slasher and a veteran presence that will help when it matters most. Sign us up.

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