Los Angeles Lakers: Pass or pursue on 10 marquee free agents

Sep 27, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka answers a question during the Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, CA. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka answers a question during the Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, CA. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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(Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Danilo Gallinari: Pursue

The Italian forward comes from a successful, yet on a disappointing conclusion, season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder, disregarded by the entire league, put together a terrific year, forcing the Houston Rockets to Game 7 in the playoffs’ first round, where they had a legitimate chance to win the series.

Despite a mediocre playoff performance, Gallinari had one of the best seasons of his career in Oklahoma, closing it with 18.7 points per game on 40.5 percent from three.

Given his age and the limited success he has experienced in the postseason throughout his career, Gallo has declared that for the upcoming free agency he will look for winning over anything. This means making some financial sacrifice for the greater goal. The Lakers, then, represent the perfect destination for him.

Armed with a possible mid-level offer, he would represent the perfect fit next to Anthony Davis, either as a starter or a reserve. The Lakers clearly need three-point shooters to stretch the floor around AD and LeBron James, and Gallinari is among the best at his position in the league.

Also, he is an above-average defender who rarely gets the credit he deserves, and would certainly work well on that side of the floor under Frank Vogel.

He also knows very well Los Angeles as a destination, having spent a little more than a season playing for the Clippers. Expecting his first child, he also cited his family’s wellness among the factors in his decision. LA is the perfect spot.