The Los Angeles Lakers will treat the offseason as their chance to speed up their rebuilding plan by adding talents through drafts, free-agency signings and trade. With Nick Young's tenure in Hollywood now a toss-up, the Lakers could use a portion of their cap space for under-rated players capable of beefing up their bench at a reasonable price. One name stands the most is high-flying swingman Gerald Green.
Averaging 11.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game, the 29-year old Green is coming off two productive seasons with the Phoenix Suns. He has been a freak of an athlete since he was drafted 18th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2005 Draft, but his improved outside shooting (35 percent from the 3-pt line) along with his maturity as a player makes him an intriguing option for any team.
The Lakers head into the free-agency season with a mission of attracting the best talent available on the free-agency pool as they attempt to rise up from obscurity over the last two seasons. Big time free-agents like Marc Gasol, Rajon Rondo and LaMarcus Aldridge are what they aimed for, although they could also save some of the cash for underrated talents capable of providing solid numbers on a lesser role.
Bleacher Report featured columnist David Murphy put Green high on the list of mid-level free-agents the Lakers should pursue next season because of his ability to score in bunches and ignite their offense off the bench, a role previously owned by Young, whose days with the purple-and-gold are likely numbered due to his tenuous relationship with head coach Byron Scott.
"Still, there's no denying that Green is an electrifying scorer who still possesses considerable athleticism. Green made $6.65 million this season with the Suns-a substantial bump from his previous contract of $3.5 million per year. L.A. should test the waters by offering two years at $5.25 million per year with a second-year player option," Murphy stressed.
For Murphy, he views Green as a type of player that can thrive alongside rookie Jordan Clarkson and provide quality minutes as a reliever to Kobe Bryant. At 29-year old, Green might be too old for the Lakers' youth revolution, yet he has proven the last two seasons that he can go up-and-down the court with relative ease. In fact, Green could be a better version of Young largely because of the athleticism he can bring to the table.