The Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat are set to compete for the 2019-20 NBA title with most favoring the former. Considering the Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, that is understandable. But then again, the Heat have their star in Jimmy Butler who will lead a group of virtually unknowns to people who are not religiously keeping track of the NBA.
Ironically, Butler was someone who could have filled in the third superstar the Lakers wanted. And it almost happened. It turns out that after the Lakers signed Davis, Butler was the next guy they were going to pursue. Unfortunately for them, the Heat got to him first.
According to the Orange County Register, Butler could have been part of the Lakers. He was an option for the Lakers when they considered how to use their max salary slot they were able to clear following the Davis trade.
Assuming the Lakers did take in Butler, it could have resulted in good or bad. Good in the sense the Lakers would have filled in the big three that they always wanted. But then again, there is the possibility it would have failed.
Most know that Butler has not exactly been the ideal teammate in some of his past teams. He drew heavy criticism when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves and had his share with the Philadelphia 76ers. He appeared to have a problem getting along with younger players, lashing out at them for lacking that winning attitude.
But all that was before he joined Miami. Most felt that Pat Riley made a big mistake making him the face of the franchise. He proved them wrong and the result was an unexpected trip to the NBA Finals.
Making it even sweeter for the Heat is that this is a team that no one gave a chance to reach it this far. They are a team believed to be in rebuilding mode but somehow the Butler’s teammates rose to the occasion. Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson stepped up and helped Butler in getting this far.
There is no telling if Butler would have flourished with the Lakers. He would not be the top dog there, meaning he had to try to co-exist with James and Davis. And somehow, it may have ended in a disaster for the Lakers with conflicts likely rising from within.
So while the Lakers could have thrived with Butler, seeing him join the Heat may have been for the best. The Lakers do need a third superstar but that guy could be someone else.
