Following the news that Jarred Vanderbilt will miss 3-4 weeks with a right foot sprain, the Lakers have added forward help to their list of targets heading into the trade deadline. One name who could help their defense and floor-spacing? Danilo Gallinari of the Detroit Pistons.
NBA Rumors: Lakers Interested in Veteran Pistons Forward
Background
Gallinari is in his 13th season and has bounced around after tearing his ACL last summer. He began the year with the Wizards, averaging seven points per game on .435/.313/.853 splits. He was then traded to the Pistons on Jan. 14—along with Mike Muscala—for Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers and draft compensation.
In five games with Detroit, Gallinari has averaged ten points, two rebounds and two assists per game on standout efficiency. It’s a small sample size, but he has shot 52% from the field, 58% from three and 87% from the free-throw line. He dropped 20 points against the Cavs last Wednesday, going a perfect 4/4 from deep and 6/8 from the field. Gallo has returned to form following ACL surgery, leading to interest from several teams.
How Gallinari Could Help the Lakers
The Lakers recently “checked in”’ on Gallinari’s status with the Pistons, according to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype. At 6-foot-10 with a remarkable shooting ability, Gallinari has tools that the Lakers will need, especially with a depleted frontcourt.
Despite the Lakers’ recent impressive stretch—which included them shooting 53% from three against Boston last week—they’re still 15th in three-point percentage (36.7%) and 28th in threes made per game (11.3). Their forwards, in particular, are currently 14th in perimeter percentage (36.4%) but fifth in overall field goal percentage (50.6%). Gallo’s scoring would help them tremendously, in addition to his versatility, as he’s able to go toe-to-toe against opposing fours and fives. Gallinari spent most of his Wizards minutes at center (88%), but he reverted back to the four with Detroit (55% of minutes played at PF).
The Lakers would be able to play Gallinari as a stretch four or five in minutes without LeBron James or Anthony Davis. His offense would be a natural fit for a team in need of frontcourt scorers, and he’d impact the defense with his size and strength. Aside from his work on the court—which includes six years of playoff experience—Gallo could also mentor LA’s young players, just as he did with the Wizards’ young core.
Trading for Gallinari would be a relatively easy task. He’s on an expiring $6.8 million salary, and eight Lakers are making between $1-5 million this season. This leads to several possible combinations if a deal materializes, including one or more second-round picks the Lakers have at their disposal.
The Last Word on Danilo Gallinari
While the Lakers seem to be interested in every player, Gallinari is a legitimate option that fills LA’s needs of perimeter shooting and overall versatility. Even though he’s 35 years old, he brings a wealth of experience and skill to the table. Consider him a target for a smaller trade, even as the Lakers aim high ahead of the deadline.
