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2019 NBA free agency: Ranking Jimmy Butler’s best landing spots

By Daniel Lubofsky

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a play against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a play against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers made the first big move of the offseason when they acquired Anthony Davis in a blockbuster deal. With the six-time All-Star now in LA, the Lakers have their second star next to LeBron James but still appear to be looking for more.

While not strapped with the max-contract slot they once previously held, the Lakers still have close to $28 million to spend in free agency.

They are looking to form the league’s newest Big Three and have their eyes on floor generals Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, but it’s Butler who may be the likeliest option.

Just about every NBA player would love to make Southern California their home during the season, and Butler is no exception.

L.A. doesn’t have the money necessary to offer him a max contract, but it’s possible the off-court opportunities available to Jimmy would be enough to entice him anyway, knowing full well he could make up the difference with endorsements.

Talent wise, a potential trio of James, AD and Butler could be enough to win a championship in what has become an unpredictable NBA.

Butler’s game, however, is built on supreme confidence stemming from a journey that had him taken 30th overall in 2011, only to work his way up to where he is today.

Would he be willing to take a backseat to two clearly superior players if it put him in a better position to win a title?

He could say all the right things in regards to that pressing question, but until he goes out on the court and proves it, there will always be those skeptical of the cohesion amongst the group.

The Lakers are set to target Butler in free agency, but that doesn’t mean a deal is in the works. Butler is likely seeking out a max contract with an established role that allows him to function as “the man.”

L.A. would be formidable, but the sacrifices may just not be worth it for a guy out to prove he is, in fact, among the best of the best.

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