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Los Angeles Lakers: Why adding Jimmy Butler is better than you think

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 09: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 09, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 09: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 09, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Butler brings what the Lakers need on the court

While it might be hard to see through the negativity that Butler has surrounded himself with, he is an all-star caliber player and brings very useful things to the table, things that the Los Angeles Lakers would benefit immensely from adding.

First and foremost, Butler is one of the top-10, top-15 defensive players in the league. The Lakers were not great this season on the defensive end, especially when Lonzo Ball was out. Adding Butler to the backcourt alongside Ball would create arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league.

He naturally slides into the starting rotation as well as the two guard and the team would not to need to make any huge adjustments to fit him in. He could start at the shooting guard with Brandon Ingram at the three and LeBron at the four. It works out perfectly and gives the Lakers great backcourt size.

He can be a secondary scorer alongside LeBron James and can be someone that can get hot in stretches to help take the load off of LeBron. Players that can get hot like that always thrive alongside LeBron.

The one concern would be how often he needs the basketball and if he would be okay with allowing the offense to run through LeBron. He is at least already experiencing that in Philly, so hopefully the same could be said if he joins the Lakers.

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