Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Laker opponents to watch

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (3) is interviewed during the team"u2019s media day in El Segundo on Friday, Sep. 27, 2019. (Photo by Scott Varley/MediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (3) is interviewed during the team"u2019s media day in El Segundo on Friday, Sep. 27, 2019. (Photo by Scott Varley/MediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Danny Green

2019/20 season
68 games – 68 starts – 25.5 minutes per game
8.0 points – 3.3 rebounds – 1.3 assists
2P% – 52.4.1%,  3P% – 36.7%, FT% – 68.8%

Danny Green is the Lakers best shooter, and most importantly, their second-most experienced playoff campaigner. Green has won titles with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors and is one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA finals history as well as an All-NBA defender.

Though he hasn’t played a massive role this year, Green will be leaned on a bunch come playoff time to guard the opposition’s best wings. The Lakers had decent guard depth before the loss of Rondo to injury and then unavailability of Bradley, so Green only ended up playing 25.5 minutes per game.

With Rondo not likely to return for at least a week, Green will be required to play significant minutes at the two and the three. He is a streaky shooter, but as evidenced by his six three-pointers in the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors last year, he can get hot in the big moments.

His ability to defend multiple positions will be massive for this Lakers team in the upcoming Blazers series. The Blazers will likely run three-guard lineups with Gary Trent Jr at the three, and Melo at the four, so Green will need to be on his game against three quick guards who can get to the rack or pullup from the midrange or three.

Green is a proven finals performer who will likely have to guard CJ McCollum. He is a crucial piece for this Lakers team.