With the NBA Restart on the horizon, we are going to take stock of who is on the Los Angeles Lakers, what they did, or didn’t do this season, and what to look for as the Lakers look to march towards their 17th championship banner in the most unprecedented circumstances in NBA history.

Danny Green

Even though Danny Green started his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers during LeBron’s first stint, the full circle of NBA life has seen these two be fierce foes. But now teammates on the Lakers, Green is one of the crucial pillars that LeBron will have to count on if he hopes to win his 4th championship ring.

Green has done what the Lakers were hoping for when they signed him to a two-year, $30 million contract after they were unable to form a Big 3 with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard. Green has had the stellar defense both in the half-court and in transition that he’s always brought, helping him survive what has been a sub-par shooting season for him from the 3-point line at 37.5% Green is a career 40.2% 3-point shooter.

However, Green has had his moments, such as this 3-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks to send the game to overtime, a game the Lakers eventually won. While they may not all be buzzer-beaters come playoff time, Green showed at this moment that he can be trusted to catch and shoot on a shot created by LeBron James. They will need more of this if they are going to go deep in the postseason.

Green’s experience is also crucial. Along with J.R. Smith, JaVale McGee, and Rajon Rondo, they bring a wealth of NBA Finals and playoff experience to the table. Green’s pedigree from the Spurs organization also bodes well in a potential Western Conference Finals matchup against his former running mate Kawhi Leonard.

Surely, LeBron will have to try his hand at guarding Kawhi some but Green will likely get the duty due to his combination of shooting, size and experience in pressurized moments. Green and LeBron battled against each other in the Finals back in 2013 and 2014 but now they are allies in looking to add another championship banner to Staples Center.

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