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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking big offseason moves by likelihood

By Jason Reed

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on at the Wells Fargo Center on November 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on at the Wells Fargo Center on November 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Signing Jimmy Butler

Chance of happening: 80%

Yes, we think there is an 80% chance of the Los Angeles Lakers signing Jimmy Butler this offseason, which is much higher than any other potential move.

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Everything that has happened over the last few months and the situations that the two sides are in has led us to connect Butler to the Lakers even before he was named as a potential plan B for the Lakers this offseason.

Just like with Cousins, the front office is going to want to save face and sign that second superstar and is going to do that by offering more money for Butler than any other team. It is pretty indicative of the Lakers’ situation that the two-worst moves of this article are the two most likely.

Although he is very talented, Butler has been a headache on every NBA team he has played for thus far and it is becoming a trend. It started in Chicago, really manifested itself in Minnesota and has somewhat followed to Philly, although not as bad.

Either way, Butler has given no team any reason to want to spend max money on him over the long term. He might get a high annual salary but it is hard to see any team offering him more than a three-year deal this offseason.

That is what makes the Lakers a fit as the other potential moves, which are better options, are much more unlikely. If the front office strikes out on everything else it might just be the one to bite and give Butler a four-year deal with the kind of money he wants.

It is not the best move although it makes the team better from a talent standpoint. A backcourt of Ball and Butler would arguably be the best defensive backcourt in the league and Butler would help with the scoring and shooting.

dark. Next. Lakers aren't sitting LeBron to tank

If he could contain his off-court issues then it would be a great signing. However, he has not given us any reason to believe that he can do that.

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