The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade away Danny Green to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with the 28th overall pick to land Dennis Schroder, which is going to be a major upgrade for them in the backup point guard position, especially with Rajon Rondo likely joining another team.
None the less, the Lakers are far from satisfied and will continue to make more moves in the offseason as they look to protect their crown. They know that the rest of the league is stacking up and they can’t be caught slippin’ if they want to win back-to-back NBA Championships.
And, with Green and likely Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, it’s pretty clear that the Lakers need to sign a couple of three-point shooters, as their spacing was already a bit of an issue from time to time this season. Today, we’ll take a look at the top 5 free-agent shooters they should make a run at.
5. Glenn Robinson III
11.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 48.6% FG, 39.1% 3FG
Glenn Robinson III has been a bit of a roadrunner in the NBA before finally establishing as a fine 3-and-D wing for the Philadelphia 76ers. Mike D’Antoni is fond of those kinds of players so he’s likely to be involved in the team’s plans going forward, assuming he’s also willing to take a deal with them.
If not, Robinson III could log heavy minutes off the bench for them thanks to his ability to defend guards and wings and his three-point shooting skills. He’s always been a streaky shooter but he’s coming off the best year of his career thus far.
4. Justin Holiday
2019/20 Stats: 8.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 42.8% FG, 40.5% 3FG
If the Lakers want to go for an instant offensive spark off the bench, then there’s no doubt that Justin Holiday is the guy they should pursue. He can get hot in the blink of an eye and often has a size advantage over shooting guards thanks to his wingspan.
Holiday has made great strides as a defender as well, and while he’s nowhere near the level of his brother Jrue, he’s still a solid and versatile stopper with the potential of playing a huge 3-and-D role in a Championship team. Also, he wouldn’t cost them that much.
3. Wesley Matthews
2019/20 Stats: 7.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.4 APG, 39.6% FG, 36.4% 3FG
The rumors point towards the Los Angeles Lakers already trying to make a run at Wesley Matthews as Danny Green’s replacement. He recently declined his player option with the Milwaukee Bucks and, honestly, he looks like a perfect fit for them.
While he’s no longer the standout shooter he was during his days with the Blazers, he could slide right away into Danny Green’s role and provide his veteran leadership, experience, and great defense. Also, Lakers fans need a scapegoat when things aren’t going their way, huh.
2. Joe Harris
2019/20 Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 48.6% FG, 42.4% 3FG
The Brooklyn Nets are going to be quite a different team next season. If they end up landing James Harden, then they’re going to have to part ways with most of their shooters, as there aren’t enough possessions to feed Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving.
Joe Harris has made a name for being one of the best and most efficient shooters in the world, even leading the league in 3-point percentage two years ago when he shot over 47% from deep. They could have a tough time signing him from a financial standpoint, though.
1. Carmelo Anthony
2019/20 Stats: 15.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 43.0% FG, 38.5% 3FG
Well, it’s just about time Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James finally team up to play the final years of their careers together. Melo wants to win a ring and the Los Angeles Lakers could certainly use his leadership, experience, and clutch shot-making ability.
Anthony recently proved that he was far from washed and that he’s still better than most players in the league. He deserves a spot in a contending team and it just would make a lot of sense for everybody involved if he decided to join the purple and gold.
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