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Los Angeles Lakers targeting Wesley Matthews after trading Danny Green

By Justin Hickey

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Wesley Matthews #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Wesley Matthews #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers could reportedly replace Danny Green’s spot on the roster with Wesley Matthews.

The Los Angeles Lakers agreed in principle with the Oklahoma City Thunder to acquire guard Dennis Schröder. To facilitate the deal, the team had to include Danny Green to match the salary. The Lakers would be a luxury tax-paying team if they didn’t include Green, therefore the trade not being able to go through.

With the deal, the Lakers get a very good third scorer. One that can create his own shot and be a good ball handler that can give LeBron James more rest. But it opens up a slot as a 3-and-D player, that Green occupied.

So the Lakers will now turn to the market to see what they can do. One name that has been thrown around is, Wesley Matthews. He is a crafty veteran that has been a 3-and-D player most of his career.

Matthews has a lot of experience and has played on some really good teams in his career. He doesn’t have the championship resume of Green, but he’s been on good playoff runs. He is someone who can step in and help absorb minutes on the wing for the team without a ton of pressure attached.

He can play his game and shoot the ball while providing tough defense. He is a career 38.1% 3-point shooter, and in an offense like the Lakers, 40%+ is easily obtainable. Which would be what the Lakers need as they lose some spacing this offseason.

Getting to the specifics gets interesting. What is Matthews looking for? Could it be fit and living situation or is it about money? He just declined his player option in Milwaukee for a little over $2 million, which was expected.

The bi-annual exception could be a nice piece for the Lakers to use here. He gets to live in California and gets a little bump in pay. The Lakers get to keep their full non-taxpayers mix-level exception to go after Danilo Gallinari.

Next. How Schroder impacts the Lakers. dark

Pelinka should give Matthews agent a call this offseason. A one year offer on the BAE is at $3.6 million. That would be a great value and ultimately they would replace Green with Schröder and Matthews.

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