NBA Rumors: Lakers Potential Pursuit Of Jimmy Butler Is High-Risk

The Los Angeles Lakers may have finally accepted the fact that their 2018-19 NBA campaign is lost. LeBron James has been placed on restricted minutes, and Lonzo Ball is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season so that his ankle can heal fully.

With that said, Lakers team president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka are likely plotting their next scheme. Anthony Davis remains a target, even if Los Angeles was unable to convince the New Orleans Pelicans to a deal last February. The case could be different in the summer.

But Davis is not the only NBA star that the Lakers could go after. There are several big names to consider such as Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson or even Kevin Durant. Of those names, Irving and Thompson have occasionally been mentioned as likely acquisitions, some of which were discussed fully in past posts.

In the event that none of those names bear fruit, there are still other players the Lakers could pursue. And one name that comes to mind is Jimmy Butler, ESPN reported. But can Butler co-exist with James?

Butler has not exactly gotten along with fellow NBA stars as can be seen from his past teams. He allegedly has a rift with Derrick Rose when both were with the Chicago Bulls. In Minnesota, he also had a beef with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

The difference, of course, is that James is someone he cannot budge. His tantrums are forgettable but the fact remains he could still have one if he ends up with the Lakers next season. Then again, he is only one that could be considered and issues could be ironed out if ever Butler's camp and the Lakers sit down to talk on a potential deal.

This scenario would also depend on whether the Sixers are keen on keeping the 29-year-old NBA star. In Philly, he has already had some issues with Joel Embiid and the number of players he could end up criticizing may grow. Philadelphia will need to make the proper assessment and figure out if the 30th pick of the 2011 NBA draft is worth being given a max contract deal, NJ.com reported.

The Lakers are expected to fill in the middle, a reason why Davis is likely to be pursued once more. Butler is an option, although considering him is not among the immediate priorities of the Los Angeles Lakers.