The Los Angeles Lakers could make things interesting during the trade season.
The franchise reportedly isn’t interested in completing a groundbreaking deal, but could their stance change between now and Feb. 5?
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons isn’t closing the door on that possibility, suggesting that Los Angeles could make a monster LeBron James-centered trade for a 6-foot-6 Golden State Warriors superstar.
“How do you make the league more fun,” Simmons said Monday. “You have a team that nobody’s excited about with the Lakers and a team that feels dead with the Warriors. LeBron for Jimmy Butler. That’s it. It feels like, for the good of the sport, trade, just more fun.”
Acquiring Butler would not only help the Lakers solve their glaring defensive woes, but also give the franchise a gifted, mid-range heavy wing who’s shooting a career-best 41.7% from deep this season.
The only issue is that James has a no-trade clause, and it isn’t a foregone conclusion that the four-time NBA champion would waive it to join the Warriors (it’s challenging to envision him not doing so, though).
If James agrees to waive it, the Lakers could take a massive step forward in two pivotal departments (three-point shooting and perimeter/interior defense).
Butler is averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with the Dubs in 28 outings.
If anything, Simmons’ trade concept is one Los Angeles should consider keeping in its back pocket.
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