Los Angeles Lakers: 3 options for non-taxpayers mid-level exception

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers battles Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder for a loose ball during the first half of a game at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Danilo Gallinari

Danilo Gallinari is one of the players mentioned that has said he’s willing to give up money for a championship opportunity. Gallinari has made over $135 million in his career in just salary, not including endorsements. So he is well-set earnings wise.

The mid-level exception is not out of the question for him. If the Lakers could entice him to sign for that over a two to three-year figure, that would be a steal. He can make close to $30 million over three years and play in an offense that will be wide open for him.

Gallinari spent last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and had a tremendous season for them. He can shoot the 3-pointer, mid-range and drive to the basket. He is money from the free-throw line and he is instant offense whenever he is on the floor.

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He had a shooting line last season of 43.8/40.5/89.3 and helped OKC surprise a lot of people alongside Chris Paul. His career averages are very good as well at 42.7/38/87.3.

One small thing is missing from his resume though. That is a championship ring. What better way to do that than with the Lakers?

The Thunder do own his Bird Rights so a sign-and-trade is a possibility with a team. But all signs point to Gallinari leaving OKC. His spacing and offense would be a perfect third option for the Lakers, something they lacked from Kyle Kuzma.

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