The Los Angeles Lakers have had an inconsistent start to the season. They are 13-11 but have dropped seven of their last ten games.
They started the season with a 10-4 record, but the same problems from last year have come up again. Outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers don't have anyone who can take pressure off this dynamic duo consistently.
Fans have been clamoring for general manager Rob Pelinka to make a move to improve the roster but that hasn't happened. Now that we are about two months into the season, trade rumors have begun.
ESPN's Shams Charania released an article on Tuesday discussing what he's hearing around the NBA and it wasn't any positive news for Los Angeles.
Brand new Inside Pass on ESPN:
– Heat open to listening to offers for Jimmy Butler
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And much more... https://t.co/QEtcmOY5iM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2024
Charania revealed that the Miami Heat are open to trading forward Jimmy Butler and there are three locations that the 35-year-old would be open to. And the Lakers weren't on the list.
"The Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right, league sources told ESPN, and Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that Butler is open to destinations such as two of the Texas teams (Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks) and the Golden State Warriors. "
- Shams Charania
Butler has his eyes on joining the Western Conference, but the Lakers don't catch his eye. He's still a quality player in the NBA, averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season in Miami.
The Heat are open to listening to offers for Jimmy Butler, league sources told ESPN, and the six-time All-Star is believed to prefer a win-now contender in any trade. https://t.co/ifbfJY7ZPw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2024
Butler prefers to join a contender in any trade, but the way Los Angeles is playing, he may not want to land with them.
The six-time All-Star always plays with a chip on his shoulder and consistently elevates his play in the playoffs. He is someone who could have taken the pressure off of James and Davis, although there are questions about the potential fit.
This is the kind of move the Lakers should be looking to make but the vibes don't look good in the City of Angels. They used to be the prime destination for a lot of players in the NBA. It looks like those days are behind them, as Butler didn't even name them as a potential landing spot.
The Lakers must find a way to improve this roster if they want to make a run. If not, the season will end with disappointment once again.
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