Los Angeles Lakers: One ideal free agent target at each position

Danilo Gallinari

Make no mistake about it, this is the top target for the Lakers this offseason. Danilo Gallinari has come out and said he is willing to take less money at this stage of his career to win a championship. He also wants the best situation for his family, as he just had a child.

Those two things mixed together make it very possible the Lakers could get him on their non-taxpayer mid-level exception. That would be an absolute steal for the team. Gallinari is one of the top three free agents in a weak class and is worth far more than that.

In Gallo the Lakers would get a third option, that is familiar with the Los Angeles lifestyle. He enjoyed his time with the Clippers and had good success there. So the big stage is not too much for him to handle.

Gallo could easily average 20 points per game for the Lakers. He could also join the 50/40/90 club, because of the amount of space he would have to operate. Last season in OKC, he was very good and averaged 18.7 points on a 43.8/40.5/89.3 shooting line.

As soon as free agency opens, Pelinka’s first call should be to Gallinari’s agent. With the ability to offer four years on the mid-level exception, it could be intriguing. The most likely scenario here would be a two-year deal which would be close to $19 million.

No brainer.