Close Article Return to stream X
NBA

Jimmy Butler is a Terrific Option For the Los Angeles Lakers

+Read full article
Jimmy Butler Lakers Free Agency

Nathaniel S. Butler / Getty Images

Jimmy Butler Butler has interest in the Los Angeles LakersThe Chicago Bulls are expected to offer him a five-year, $90 million-plus deal on July 1.

It isn’t hard to believe that Butler has interest in other teams. Before the season began, the Bulls offered Butler a four-year, $40 million extension and he turned it down. This doesn’t necessarily mean he didn’t want to stay in Chicago, but it’s possible that he thought he would eventually be worth more, like he is now. I believe it’s more likely that he had interest in going somewhere else, because after the 2013-14 season it looked like Butler wasn’t worth more than the $10 million a year he was offered.

In 2013-14 Butler averaged 13.1 points and 4.9 rebounds and he was just a good role player. It’s hard to believe that he thought he would improve as much as he did in 2014-15. This season he averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Butler is not only a terrific scoring option, but he is a lockdown defender. He has been a member of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for two straight seasons.

In the playoffs Butler averaged 22.9 points and 5.6 rebounds.

Butler is a great option for the Lakers, because he is one of the best two-way players in the league and is only 25 years old. If the Lakers land Butler, he will become their starting small forward, making him the best small forward they’ve had in a long time. What makes Butler intriguing is that he and Kobe Bryant can swap depending on the matchups, like he did with Mike Dunleavy in Chicago. Offensively, he will help Bryant and Jordan Clarkson significantly, as he can create his own offense and has a high basketball intelligence.

If the Lakers acquire Butler and either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahil Okafor in the draft, they will be a threat in a loaded Western Conference. A realistic deal for the NBA’s Most Improved Player is three-years and $50 million, which is something the Lakers can afford. The Lakers will end the misery they’ve been through the last two seasons if Butler is signed.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @george51391, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

D'Angelo Russell Warns He Will Fight Back If Physically Attacked

 

Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell continues to be swarmed by reporters on a daily basis since the Nick Young video scandal broke earlier this week. Russell, who at least once this week had to be escorted out of practice by security, told reporters he will "get physical back" if anyone tries to get violent with him, and added he "can't force peace."

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

ESPN's Beadle Wants To Know Why Nick Young Isn't Being Criticized

ESPN's Michelle Beadle raised an interesting question about the D'Angelo Russell/Nick Young drama on Thursday. Beadle pointed out that while everyone seems to be furious with Russell for videotaping Young, seemingly no one has blasted Young for cheating on his girlfriend Iggy Azalea. Beadle's a known feminist and women's rights activist, so it isn't surprising to see her attempt to tackle a tough issue.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Watch Bryant's Press Conference Get Interrupted By Wade

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was in the middle of one of his many crowded press conferences following a 102-100 win over the Miami Heat when none other than Dwyane Wade walked into the room and caused a stir. Bryant found it absolutely hilarious.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Watch Marcelo Huertas Pull Off Trick Steal

Marcelo Huertas seemed to drift out of bounds inexplicably, but he rallied to a make a fantastic trick steal on an unsuspecting Miami Heat player.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Lamar Odom Attends Los Angeles Lakers Game At Kobe's Request

Former teammate and close friend Kobe Bryant invited Lamar Odom to attend the Los Angeles Lakers' showdown with the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, and Odom indeed made an appearance at the Staples Center. It was his first basketball game since overdosing back in October. In this video, Odom's seen hugging Lakers part owner Jeanie Buss.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Russell Feels 'As Sick As Possible' About Nick Young Video

Los Angeles Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell finally spoke to reporters about the Nick Young video leak on Wednesday night. Russell claims to have no clue how the video leaked, and said he feels "as sick as possible" about the incident.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Scott Says Lakers Tried To Keep Russell-Young Scandal Quiet

The Nick Young-D'Angelo Russell videotape scandal has been the biggest story in sports, so naturally Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott was asked about it by reporters on Wednesday. Scott tried to deflect the question, but also indicated he was mainly disappointed that the story got out to the public, as he wanted things to be dealt with behind the scenes.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA Videos

Watch Jackson Say 'Snitches Get Stitches' To Russell Question

There is some serious animosity going on in the Los Angeles Lakers' locker room right now. It centers around D'Angelo Russell videotaping teammate Nick Young without his knowledge and coercing him to admit that he cheated on fiancee Iggy Azalea. ESPN had former NBA player Stephen Jackson on today to ask him about the incident and Jackson seemed to be just as angry as Young.

Comment 0 Comments