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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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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jimmy Butler

Butler is another swing for fences but if they are going to dangle this number two pick out there they have to go for the studs. Butler is locked into a max deal, and will cost the Lakers a lot more than the number two pick, but he is ideal for what they need. There is no doubt they would pull the trigger if he is available.

Butler has expressed his displeasure with the management of the Bulls during the season and took a shot at the coach as well. Rumors of a trade to the Timberwolves have already come up, and it shows the Bulls are listening to offers.

They have a young team with Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis, and can add to that with a 19-year-old high upside prospect. They could probably add in D’Angelo Russell in this scenario which gives them the option to either let Derrick Rose walk this off-season or have him come in off of the bench in the future. Either way it is an extremely young core, and if the pick were Brandon Ingram it would seem to be really a good fit and good package to get for Butler.

For the Lakers their prerogative would be to re-sign Jordan Clarkson and then start attracting free agents. Butler is one of the best two-way players in the league and immediately turns the Lakers back into big time players.

Next: 1. DeMarcus Cousins

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