Los Angeles Lakers: 3 moves for a perfect Lakers offseason

Signing Danilo Gallinari

Coming off a fine campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder in which he averaged 18.7 points per game and 5.2 rebounds in 29.6 minutes a night, Danilo Gallinari will be at the top of several teams’ free-agent lists this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers included.

Following an early exit in the bubble playoffs, Gallinari stated that he is at the stage in his career where he prioritizes winning over money. Understandable, as he has amassed over $135 Million throughout his career, yet has never made it past the first round of the playoffs.

If winning is a priority, the returning champions are surely a good place to look. This would be a match made in heaven too, as the Lakers have the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception to use, which would pay roughly $6 Million a year for his services.

Should Gallinari accept an offer like that, his services would be a seamless fit along with the Lakers’ superstars. As mentioned earlier, he is a walking bucket, averaging 18.7 points per game last year, and at least 15 per game over the last six seasons.

To make the fit even more ideal, one of Gallinari’s biggest strengths is his efficiency. He’s proven time and time again that he doesn’t need a lot of touches to get his share of points, averaging roughly 12 Field Goal Attempts per game over that same 6-year stretch.

Signing Gallinari would give the Lakers exactly what they’ve been hoping for: a low usage, reliable Third Scoring Option. His 6’10” frame, as well as his ability to move off the ball, stretch the floor and score from all over makes him possibly the best free agent available to play alongside LeBron and AD.

For these reasons, Rob Pelinka will no doubt be in touch with Danilo’s agent the moment he is allowed to be.