NBA Free Agency: Assessing Jimmy Butler's most likely destinations

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers could look to pair Butler alongside LeBron James

Due to their ongoing problems behind the scenes, the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to miss out on this summer's top free agents. Yet, the franchise is still in a strong position to contend for the second tier FAs, and the likes of Butler and Kemba Walker are still potential game changers.

The Lakers' interest in Butler is believed to date back to last summer, and Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report envisions Butler as a good fit alongside James:

Butler seems like the type to 'take the challenge' of playing with LeBron when others seem hesitant to do so. His defensive activity could help make up for James' occasional lack thereof. Butler's propensity for getting buckets would also make him James' best scoring sidekick since Kyrie Irving ducked out of Northeast Ohio.

The All-Star pairing of James and Butler may not be enough to secure a championship, although the addition of Butler would not hinder the Lakers' attempts to secure a deal for Anthony Davis.