Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James might be involved in a surprising NBA trade, according to podcaster and analyst Bill Simmons. On his latest podcast, Simmons suggested a deal that would send James to a new team in exchange for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. The idea sounds bold, but it’s based on both players’ contracts and the current NBA landscape.
Podcaster has a trade idea for the Lakers involving legend LeBron James
Simmons suggested the trade could energize teams that have grown stagnant, especially the Lakers and Warriors. “How do you make the league more fun? You have a team nobody’s excited about with the Lakers and a team that feels dead with the Warriors. LeBron for Jimmy Butler,” he said. He added that sending LeBron could boost the Warriors’ roster, while the Lakers would gain Butler, whose skills might fit better with their current lineup. (via Basketball Forever.)
Simmons also pointed to financial factors, noting LeBron’s expiring contract and Butler’s longer-term deal could make the trade possible. “I think Golden State would probably do that because LeBron is an expiring contract in the year. Maybe they’d throw him one more year. It’s a good who says no though. Because if you’re the Lakers, you can lock in the Butler contract for an extra year because all they care about is two years from now.”
Both stars are putting up strong numbers this season. Butler averages 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, shooting over 51% from the field and more than 41% from three. LeBron averages 20.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while shooting just over 50% from the field. These stats show that either player could move teams and still perform at a high level.
LeBron James and Jimmy Butler have both had standout NBA careers, but on different levels. Over 23 seasons, LeBron has racked up more than 42,000 points, averaging 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. He’s a four‑time MVP, 4‑time champion, and 21‑time All‑Star. Butler, in 15 seasons, has scored over 16,000 points, grabbed 5,400 rebounds, and dished out 3,700 assists. He is averaging 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He’s been a six‑time All‑Star and is known for his clutch play.
