The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 25-25 in their first 50 games, which has them as the ninth seed in the Western Conference.
On Friday, the team was dealt bad news when ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that they would be without Jarred Vanderbilt for an extended period.
Vanderbilt is averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 51.8% from the field in 29 games.
I believe the Lakers need to consider signing JaMychal Green in the meantime.
Why?
Green has played nine seasons in the NBA and has been a very reliable role player.
The 33-year-old spent last year with the Golden State Warriors and averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest while shooting 54.0% from the field and 37.8% from the three-point range in 57 regular season games (he also started in two out of his seven NBA playoff games).
While he wouldn't be a long-term solution, Green has the ability to make up for some of what they will lack with Vanderbilt out of action.
In addition, he could likely be signed to a non-guaranteed contract (or even a ten-day), so there would be no risk for Los Angeles.
The Lakers have Anthony Davis and LeBron James, so despite their record, they are still seen as a team that is contending for NBA Championships.
A veteran like Green would fit well into their locker room, and he has recent experience playing with other superstars such as Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Nikola Jokic, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard over the previous four seasons.
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