Lakers Have Yet To See The Real Danny Green
Danny Green is one of the NBA's underrated players, and the 32-year-old knows he has yet to reach his peak. Though he already has two NBA titles under his belt, he is aware that his 2019-20 NBA season performance is far from what he is capable of. Though he has had limited playing time, Green is keeping the faith, aware that he will find his rhythm moving forward.
Green says he is far from the specialist that most expect, Sports Illustrated reported. At this point in the season, he continues to work on his game and added that nothing comes easy in the NBA. The 6-foot-6 swingman knows he can do better, particularly when it comes to outside sniping. Owning a career-average of 40.2 percent from the three-point region, Green has shot only 38.1 percent this season.
“Still getting better, still perfecting it. But nothing in this league is easy to do, especially when people know what you’re good at. They’re going to try to limit that, take that away from you.” Green said.
Green's playing time has dipped a bit, something that is to be expected. The fact that he is with a star-studded team accounts for that. The only way for him to spend more time on the floor is a good shooting night. He showed that when he was with the San Antonio Spurs back in 2014, and there is no reason why he cannot do it again.
The 46th overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft is also feeling the effects of injuries. He is dealing with a hip injury but has managed to play at a certain level. In 56 games this season, Green has averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in close to 25 minutes of action per Basketball-Reference.com.
Green's performance as well will depend on who the Lakers add to the roster. The team recently waived Troy Daniels but have yet to decide on who to add. Dion Waiters seems to be in the lead, although other players could be taken in. That includes Allen Crabbe or Anthony Tolliver.
With LeBron James taking over playmaking duties, head coach Frank Vogel needs more reliable scorers in the mix. Green is one of the reliable shooters that James could pass off to. But if he fails to sink the outside shots, the Lakers may just look at other options on the current roster or the free-agent market. Either way, Green seems ready for the challenge.