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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Jimmy Butler will be a Laker

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Jimmy Butler’s market is much smaller than he may realize

Jimmy Butler is undoubtedly a top-20 player in the NBA. He is an elite defensive player and has no problems scoring on a consistent basis. Butler is a top-five shooting guard in the league alongside Donovan Mitchell, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan and James Harden.

If we count Paul George as a shooting guard then Butler falls out of the top-five.

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Despite Butler being one of the best two guards in the game, a four-time all-star, two-time All-NBA and four-time All-Defensive player, his market is not as large as his talent would indicate.

The reason for that is Butler’s attitude and the impact that he had had on every locker room that he has been in. We started seeing these cracks in Chicago, really saw them blossom when he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves and they have continued in Philly, although not to the same extent.

Butler, who will be 30 before the start of the 2020 season, has not made a good case for any NBA team to give him a four-year, close-to-max contract. While he certainly is talented, the negative locker room implications would simply burn a team long-term, which is why a two-year contract is most realistic for Butler.

However, the Los Angeles Lakers, who don’t have many other options, are going to be desperate to deliver on that two superstar promise at any cost. This is going to lead to the team signing Butler to a longer deal, at least a three-year deal with a team option fourth.

Butler is going to get the most length from the Lakers and is going to get the most money. It might not be totally justified but it would not be surprising, either.

Next. Two possible trades for LeBron James. dark

Would the Lakers be better with Jimmy Butler? Probably. A starting five of Lonzo Ball, Butler, Brandon Ingram, LeBron James and a new face at center (or even Kyle Kuzma) is fun — but only if he is not a headache in the locker room, which is highly likely.

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