Danny Green
Last but certainly not least, two time NBA champ, Danny Green. A career 40.4 percent 3-point shooter, and one of the better guard defenders the past few years, Green would play a similar role to what I imagined Austin Rivers would be, but a better shooter and more playoff experience.
Coming on his 11th year, his contract may see a dip from the $10 million dollars he earned this year, but the Lakers should consider paying close to that. He has played off Kawhi since, Kawhi came into the league, so playing off another superstar is nothing new to him either.
It may be tough to draw him away from the championship winning Toronto Raptors, but if Kawhi Leaves, Danny Green would be one of the first role players I call if I am Pelinka. He would fit perfectly in the system built around LeBron and AD.
I say these moves are “unsexy” because it is Los Angeles, and Los Angeles houses many stars. But, the Lakers would not be doing themselves any favors if they spend all of their money on a 3rd star. As good as it would be for a guy like Kemba to play in LA with those stars and compete for the title, the Lakers would lack depth.
The past few championship teams, dynasties even, had solid guys off their bench. Miami had Shane Battier, Norris Cole, and Ray Allen who contributed off the bench and played big minutes when they won their championships. The Spurs had Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills, and Boris Diaw off the bench when they dethroned the Heat. The Warriors before injuries hurt them had guys like Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, Kevon Looney, and David West during their dynasty. The Raptors had Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, and Norman Powell play pivotal minutes in their championship this year.
So if the Lakers want to build this dynasty and win multiple championships, build a deep roster around your two mega stars in AD and Bron. Get five or six above average role players who can play alongside those two and barring injury, the Lakers will be competing in the summer next year.