While the world awaited Kawhi Leonard’s free agency decision, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was apparently helping to ease the minds of the team’s other free-agent targets. Or, at least he was keeping in contact with Leonard’s longtime teammate and now-Lakers guard Danny Green.
During the latest episode of Green’s ‘Inside The Green Room’ podcast with Harrison Sanford, the former Toronto Raptors guard spoke about free agency. Specifically, he praised LeBron along with Kyle Kuzma for their roles in free agency while citing how James kept him patient, per ShowtimeForum.
“Bron was really good with the process and keeping me patient. Kuz, I just talked to him here and there, and how they were like ‘we’re talking to so and so and trying to make this happen — we’re just waiting on your boy to see what he has to say or do.’” Green stated.
It appears that while Green was obviously aware that the hold-up on a decision from the Lakers stemmed from Leonard’s decision, that LeBron stayed in contact with him throughout the process. It certainly stands out, largely due to the fact that it paid off in the end. Green now fills a major need the Lakers had from last season and is a strong addition, especially considering the circumstances.
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Danny Green’s Two-Year Contract With Lakers Fills Roster Need
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green
While the Lakers added Anthony Davis via trade this offseason, the fact they missed on Leonard in free agency allowed them to pay multiple players a bit more money. In turn, this created a more well-rounded lineup for the most part, and Green is a big part of that.
As Spotrac shows, the 32-year-old guard inked a two-year, $30 million deal which benefits both sides. The Lakers add a player who’s a strong defender and can knock down shots from beyond the arc, both of which are obvious areas of need. But beyond that, Green will be a free agent at age 34, setting him up to earn one more decent-sized deal, assuming he plays well with the Lakers.
Danny Green’s Stats & Strong 2018-19 Season With Raptors
Before last season, which was Green’s first and only with the Raptors, he had spent all but one year as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged double-digit points twice over the span of eight years (10.5 in 2012-13 and 11.7 in 2014-15). But the 2018-19 season was arguably the best Green’s career, for a number of reasons.
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The most impressive aspect of his year stems from the fact that he knocked down 46.5 percent of his field goal attempts and a career-high 45.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Green’s ability to do a bit of everything and specifically chip in on the defensive end in a big way could make his signing one of the most underrated of the NBA offseason. He’ll now potentially have the chance to compete for another title this season on a well-rounded Lakers team which has talent at every position.
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Lakers’ Danny Green Praises LeBron James for Handling of Free Agency