Lakers could get a massive buyout target if huge trade happens
By Mike Luciano
The Los Angeles Lakers may have been dealt a punch in the guy when Kyrie Irving committed to the Nets, but that doesn’t mean that Rob Pelinka is totally out of ideas when it comes to improving the roster. In fact, one of the many hypothetical trades inching closer to fruition could bring a quality veteran to LA.
The Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs have been locked in discussions about a Dejounte Murray deal for the last few days. Even if the Hawks don’t give up John Collins, there exists a universe in which the trade goes through and the Lakers benefit from it.
If the Murray trade does through, the return for San Antonio is expected to consist of Danilo Gallinari and multiple first-round picks. With the Spurs playing for the future, the odds of a Gallinari buyout seem reasonably high. Could he be a potential MLE target?
Gallinari has put up double-digit scoring numbers for just under a decade and a half on the bounce, but he hasn’t been able to slip a championship ring on his finger. The Lakers could benefit from Gallinari’s skills if the Spurs want to bottom out for Victor Wembanyama in 2023.
In talking with multiple sources around the NBA, many believe Hawks on verge of trading for San Antonio's All-Star guard Dejounte Murray - However, it's looking like John Collins is not part of deal. Would be Gallo & multiple 1st round picks. Spurs prepping for future & '23 draft
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) June 27, 2022
The Lakers could end up with Danilo Gallinari.
Even as Gallinari is about to start his age-34 season, the Italian veteran still averaged 11.7 points per game on 43/38/90 shooting splits. He was a consistent 18 points per game scorer with the Clippers and Thunder, but playing alongside Trae Young took most of his shots away.
Even though he would at best be the fourth scoring option on the Lakers, Gallo has shown that he can be an effective offensive player without a high volume of shots. LeBron James is always in the market for more shooters around him, and Gallinari would certainly suffice.
https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1357801867602968576
This trade still has a few more hurdles to climb, as trading an All-Star point guard in order to acquire three more first-round picks which may be as good as Murray if they all stand on their head is a bit questionable. If this trade gets consummated, however, Gallo will likely not end the year in San Antonio.
The Lakers can slide Gallinari in on the second unit and watch him cook. The bench last year was wildly volatile from week to week, and adding someone with Gallinari’s extensive battle scars could be one way to get more consistency out of that unit.
