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5 Free Agents Los Angeles Lakers Should Offer Max Contracts In Offseason

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By @JosephMCrevier

5 Free Agents Los Angeles Lakers Should Offer Max Contracts In Offseason

Los Angeles Lakers
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Given the NBA's monster television deal, the salary cap is widely expected to rise to all new heights when a new CBA can be negotiated in 2017. Thus, many unestablished players will likely be overpaid this offseason, with a salary cap projection of .5 million. Overpaid in today's market will be underpaid in 2017. The Los Angeles Lakers will have ample cap space to sign two of these budding young stars to maximum-level contracts.

5. Goran Dragic

Phoenix Suns
Christian Petersen-Getty Images

5. Goran Dragic

Phoenix Suns
Christian Petersen-Getty Images

A crafty veteran combo-guard, Goran Dragic is an extremely intriguing player the Lakers have already expressed interest in. Dragic is approaching 30 years old, but he remains a viable option to fill Los Angeles' glaring void at point guard. He is expected to decline his player option worth .5 million for next season and become an unrestricted free agent. The Phoenix Suns would certainly prefer to retain Dragic, but a max offer could sway that.

4. Brandon Knight

Milwaukee Bucks
Scott Halleran-Getty Images

4. Brandon Knight

Milwaukee Bucks
Scott Halleran-Getty Images

The evolution of the 23-year-old point guard has been well-chronicled upon his arrival in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform two years ago. Traded for Brandon Jennings, Brandon Knight has emerged as the catalyst to an up-and-coming Bucks team on the verge of a playoff appearance. Averaging 17.7 points and 5.4 assists per game this season, Knight would alleviate much of the scoring load from Kobe Bryant's shoulders.

3. Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors
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3. Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors
Noah Graham-Getty Images

Prying Draymond Green away from the tight knit group of the Golden State Warriors could be tricky. The Warriors just handed out a max extension to Klay Thompson and have nearly million already on the books for next season. Green has exhibited tremendous potential as a versatile wing player, excelling on the defensive end, as well as the offensive end. Defense and effort are both areas the Lakers have been lacking for some time now.

2. Tobias Harris

Orlando Magic
Fernando Medina-Getty Images

2. Tobias Harris

Orlando Magic
Fernando Medina-Getty Images

Small forward Tobias Harris has articulated his desire to play in a large-market on multiple occasions. The Orlando Magic have been stuck in a state of flux since Dwight Howard's departure, giving Harris more incentive to bail. Averaging 17.5 points per game this season, Harris can flat out score. Given Los Angeles' massive void on the wing, Harris would be a huge improvement and building block for the future.

1. Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

1. Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

The Chicago Bulls will reportedly offer Jimmy Butler a maximum extension this offseason. However, Chicago's ownership is known to be frugal, so nothing is guaranteed. Butler will undoubtedly be the most sought after commodity on the market because of his intensity, defense and much-improved offensive game. The team often defers to Butler down the stretch, reflected in his 20.6 points per game scoring average.

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