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NBA Draft: 5 Draft Day trades the Lakers should make

By Parker Hurley

Nov 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak speaks to the media before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak speaks to the media before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jeff Teague
Mar 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) goes up for a shot in front of Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Atlanta won 91-84. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY SportsJeff Teague /

5. Jeff Teague 

What would be nice about acquiring Teague is that it will not cost them that much. Teague is pretty underrated, and is one of the better point guards in the league. However, the Hawks have shown that they are interested in building around Dennis Schroder instead as Teague nears the end of his contract.

For the Lakers to go out and acquire Teague, they would have to feel confident about their ability to lock him up for the long term. Still, they can use his contract and being a free agent after the 2017 season as a bargaining chip and be able to pick up Teague.

If the Hawks are interested in pick number two there is a chance that Teague and a late round pick could be worth the jump up 19 picks. For the Lakers the guard rotation would be completely locked down.

Jordan Clarkson is a free agent this year, and while he is likely to sign back in L.A. it is no longer imperative. Even if he is to return, this just makes D’Angelo Russell, and Lou Williams available for future trades if the Lakers are to start to assemble something.

Teague isn’t the ultimate get this off-season but he adds stability and playoff experience. It makes it a better sight for free agents, and a former teammate Al Horford just so happens to be one of the top dogs on the market this off-season.

Teague can still share a backcourt with Russell if he is to stay and the young pieces of Russell, Larry Nance, Clarkson and Julius Randle plus a first rounder gives them young upside to go along with the veteran acquisitions. It could be a piece of a plan that helps rebuild the Lakers.

Next: 4. Nikola Vucevic

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