Lakers Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Targeting Jimmy Butler
After balking at the Kings’ high asking price for DeMarcus Cousins, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly turned their attention to Bulls’ shooting guard Jimmy Butler.
If you’re reading this article as a new fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, welcome! We’re not as fun as the Sacramento Kings, but we’ve won a championship within the last decade for what it’s worth. I’m sorry they hurt you, but we’re here now. We’ll take care of you.
The trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday night was huge but it was only the start of what promises to be an exciting week of trades leading up to the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 23. Fans are hoping the Lakers are one of the many teams that will be active at the trade deadline and so far, it’s looking like they will be. With just three days left before the trade deadline, the Lakers have been involved in several trade rumors, including the Cousins sweepstakes.
However, the Lakers reportedly backed out of talks with the Kings when they asked for rookie Brandon Ingram as part of whatever package LA was giving them. Now the Lakers are turning their attention to Chicago Bull’s guard Jimmy Butler, according to Mike Adamle of NBC Chicago.
The rumored trade includes Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, with no indication that Ingram is involved in the deal. Former Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Wiliams is also rumored to be part of the trade.
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This trade makes a little more sense for the Lake Show than the Cousins trade. The Lakers need a shooting guard to play alongside D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram, preferably one that plays defense. Fans thought Jordan Clarkson would be that player, but he has struggled mightily in his third season with the Purple and Gold.
While it will be tough for LA to part ways with Julius Randle, who looked like a future All-Star at the start of the season, they have some insurance in Larry Nance Jr. Nance is arguably more polished than Randle right now and could easily slide into the starting power forward position.
As for Williams, he was rumored to be on the trading block anyway. Whether it is the Bulls or the Wizards, he is almost guaranteed to be on another team after the deadline.
Any trade the Lakers can pull off without giving up either one of their No. 2 picks is a decent trade. Obviously, gutting the young core for an All-Star isn’t ideal, but if a trade like this one went through, it wouldn’t be devastating to the roster.
Next: LA was smart to avoid Cousins
But what do you guys think? Is there any substance to this rumor? Could the Lake Show use Jimmy Butler? Let us know in the comments below!