The Los Angeles Lakers are likely a backcourt or frontcourt stud away from becoming legitimate title contenders.
The franchise could trade for a Miami Heat superstar wing, but it would require them to move on from a trustworthy wing familiar with the organization.
“In this trade, the Lakers acquire Jimmy Butler at the expense of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent,’ Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Wednesday.
“For Los Angeles, this is a high-stakes move aimed at maximizing LeBron James and Anthony Davis’s championship window.”
“From Miami’s perspective, this trade is more than a simple salary dump. Rui Hachimura’s physicality and scoring fit seamlessly into Heat Culture, while Austin Reaves offers a scrappy, playmaking guard who could develop into a key piece for the team.”
“Vanderbilt, known for his defensive versatility, may find new life in Miami, and Gabe Vincent had the best stretch of his career with the Heat, making him an easy re-addition to their rotation.”
“Adding Butler could elevate the Lakers to the top of the Western Conference hierarchy.”
“Butler’s ability to play as a third scoring option while taking on tough defensive assignments would relieve pressure from LeBron and AD, especially in the playoffs.”
“His 2023 averages of 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game underscore his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.”
“More importantly, Butler’s leadership and playoff toughness are qualities that could give the Lakers an edge in a tight series against teams like the Thunder or Nuggets.”
“The main concern for the Lakers would be sacrificing young, affordable talent like Reaves and Rui for an aging superstar with a significant contract.”
“Butler will be 35 during the final year of his deal this season, which could complicate future roster flexibility. However, if the Lakers can secure a championship with this core, the gamble will have paid off.”
As an undrafted rookie entering the 2021-22 season, the expectations for Reaves were low.
Little did the Lakers know, Reaves would build on his moderate success in Year 1 and transform into one of James’ favorite teammates in Los Angeles.
While the Oklahoma product’s defensive shortcomings are problematic, he’s an underrated one-on-one operator with a fluid one-to-two dribble pull-up jump shot.
Reaves averages 18.3 points per contest on 43.8% field goal shooting and 36.1% three-point shooting this season.
However, Butler is an elite two-way talent who’s a proven winner in the big leagues, which may fulfill Los Angeles’ win-now need.
Los Angeles would miss Reaves, but the Lakers have to do what’s best for them now.