3 Nuggets that could join the Lakers this offseason

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Reggie Jackson #7 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 06, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Nuggets 119-115. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Reggie Jackson #7 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 06, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Nuggets 119-115. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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Jeff Green Lakers
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) – Jeff Green Lakers

3. Jeff Green

Every NBA roster has a hierarchy. Not every player can be a starter and not every player can be a consistent member of the rotation. There is value in having players that provide regular-season depth to keep the more important players healthy while also providing a positive impact in the locker room.

Look at Jared Dudley from the 2020 championship team. He was not a part of the rotation in the slightest but he was very obviously an important member of that locker room. That is what got him an assistant coaching job with Jason Kidd on the Dallas Mavericks.

Jeff Green would be a veteran depth option for the Lakers.

Jeff Green is 36 years old and there likely is not many years left for him in the NBA. No Lakers fan wants to see the team go down the same path as before and load the roster with over-the-hill veterans but having 1-2 veterans in depth roles is beneficial.

Plus, it isn’t like Green was just sitting on the bench and collecting dust all season. He played a legitimate role in the rotation and has averaged just under 20 minutes per game in the playoffs. He wouldn’t get that kind of playing time in LA next season but he would get a chance to chase a ring again and add depth in the frontcourt.

Green would give the Lakers a small-ball five option while also giving the team an option with size that could play alongside true centers off the bench. They would also get a very experienced veteran to be a sounding board in the locker room. He would not have the same kind of impact as Jackson or Brown but he could still be a Lakers target in two months.