Los Angeles Lakers: Five ideal targets in the 2020 NBA Draft

By Kole House | May 23, 2020

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Elijah Weaver #3 of the USC Trojans guards Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Galen Center on February 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers draft target: Jared Butler, G, Baylor

If it wasn’t obvious from the inclusions of Mannion and Jones on this list, the Lakers need ball-handling help. Butler has been tabbed as one of the top ball-handlers and creators in the entire draft class, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor. So to say he would be a fit for the Lakers is an understatement.

Butler plays like a seasoned veteran and is a highly cerebral player on the court. Similar to the prospects already listed, he doesn’t possess elite athleticism but remains a solid defender thanks to his impressive IQ and ability to read offensive players and schemes.

With LeBron being the primary play-maker for the Lakers, Butler would have the chance to grow into his own while handling secondary duties for the time being.

He improved his shooting efficiency from behind-the-arc during his second season at Baylor which would also help him earn minutes playing off-the-ball when James is still on the court.

Butler is a low-risk prospect who can come in and contribute on both ends right away, therefore making him a practical option for the Lakers with their late first-round pick.

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