Now that the trade season has officially begun, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely pursue the best assets available.
A Miami Heat superstar with limited time in the league may be on the Lakers’ radar.
“The Lakers have done a horrific job preparing for the end of LeBron’s career, wasting his final days with a nonsensical roster,” LA Sports Hub’s Joe Summers wrote Sunday.
“Los Angeles’ front office has been given a unique opportunity to acquire a superstar and they need to take advantage of it.”
“Jimmy Butler and the Heat are seemingly progressing toward a trade. He battled LeBron in the NBA Finals and is one of the best postseason performers in recent memory.”
“If the Lakers want to commit to a short-term timeline and swing for the fences, Butler represents the perfect kind of splash move.”
“Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss can’t be trusted, though this might be their best remaining option.”
“This would be a difficult trade for the Lakers to stomach, depleting their depth in search of a star. At 35 years old, Butler isn’t the player he once was.”
“Nonetheless, he’s still a bonafide playoff performer who could lift the franchise to another title before LeBron hangs up his shoes.”
“He’s averaging 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest for a middling Miami squad. The Lakers are stumbling, but a trio of LeBron, Butler, and Anthony Davis could terrorize opponents.”
“D’Angelo Russell is among the most despised players in the city. Losing Austin Reaves would hurt, but he’s not so indispensable that he can’t be sent away.”
“Considering the status of this organization, it’d make sense to push all of their chips into the middle of the table to try to win another ring.”
“Make no mistake, the Lakers are in massive trouble once LeBron retires. Pelinka and Buss have proven incapable of constructing a logical roster, so why not go all-in for a chance at a title?”
“This type of trade would shake the NBA up and have massive consequences. Even still, it’s one the front office needs to consider.”
Summers’ proposed trade would send Reaves, Russell, and Rui Hachimura to the Heat for Butler.
The Heat have won four consecutive contests and are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Still, the organization is open to shipping Butler to a new NBA home and receiving assets that could help them in the long haul.
Butler, a skilled wing who can pick his spots wisely and persuade defenders to bite on his believable shot fakes in the lane, averages 18.6 points per contest on 55% shooting from the field and 36% shooting from downtown.
Cutting ties with Reaves would be devastating for Los Angeles, but if the Lakers discover Butler is a must-have target, the undrafted fourth-year pro will have no choice but to suit up for the Heat.
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