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Lakers week in review

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On Tuesday, the Lakers got a big win, landing the No. 2 pick in the NBA’s draft lottery.

The Lakers only had 12.6% odds of improving its fourth position in the lottery. Had the team dropped to sixth or seventh, a 17.2% chance, the Lakers would have sent their 2015 first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, to complete the Steve Nash trade.

Instead the team is thrilled to be in the top two, with the chance to draft either of two big men Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns, although the team could also look at guards like D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay.

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According to an oddsmaker, Towns is the favorite to be the draft’s top overall pick, owned by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves will probably decide between the two big men.

Analyst Jeff Van Gundy said the lottery was “a great day for the Lakers and their fans.” Historically, Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge are the best No. 2 picks of the last 15 years.

The pick may also mean the end of Jordan Hill’s run with the Lakers.

General Manager Mitch Kupchak warned the pick won’t lead to an immediate NBA title.

Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant gave Blake Griffin some love right before the Clippers melted down in Game 6 of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Kupchak repeated on radio that Bryant is still likely to retire in 2016, after his contract expires.

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Jordan Clarkson was named to the NBA all-rookie first team.

Finally, the Lakers announced they will play two preseason games in Hawaii.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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