The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a tricky situation right now. LeBron James will be 40 by the time this year comes to an end. Anthony Davis is 31 and has a long injury history. Thus, their Championship window is starting to close quickly.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, they do not have the roster to make a genuine run at the Championship. If they want LeBron to win his fifth ring, they will need to make some moves. Could a Miami Heat superstar be the solution to the problems in Los Angeles right now?
Jimmy Butler’s future in Miami is up in the air. He was not handed a contract extension this offseason and could become a free agent next summer if he chooses to opt out of his player option.
Naturally, there has been plenty of talk about Butler’s potential next destination. The Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors have been linked with the 35-year-old. Could the Lakers be in the mix as well?
Svyatoslav Rovenchuk suggested a mock trade in an article on GIVEMESPORT that would see the Lakers receive Butler, Pelle Larsson and Josh Richardson for D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Second-Round Pick via LAL and 2025 Second-Round Pick via LAC.
It would be the ultimate win-now move on the part of the Lakers. Butler is 35 and LeBron is 39.
Both Butler and Richardson could end up being starters for the Lakers. On the other hand, it would be a bit of a refresh for the Heat, who might be working on Bam Adebayo time anyway, judging by their lack of summer activity.