Jimmy Butler is still one of the best players in the NBA at 35.
The Miami Heat star has been one of the most talked about players in trade rumors over the past few weeks.
Recently, Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson said he would want the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire Butler.
Johnson (via FS1’s Speak): “I like Jimmy… He’s mean and physical.. I say with LeBron you gotta put out the best team. One thing about Jimmy Butler. In them playoffs, you already know…. I think that that’s what I like about Jimmy, and Jimmy, he already live here. So all the things lined up.”
Butler is currently averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 55.2% from the field and 35.7% from the three-point range in 19 games.
The Heat have been to the NBA Finals twice during Butler’s previous five seasons with the franchise.
Right now, they are the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 13-11 record in 24 games.
Butler has one more year on his contract (after this season) that is a player option for $52.4 million.
In addition to Miami, the six-time NBA All-Star has also spent time with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers over 15 seasons.
As for the Lakers, they have two of the best 15 players in the league but have had an up-and-down season.
They are 15-12 in 27 games, which has them as the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
More News…
LeBron James and Anthony Davis Listed on Injury Report, Casting Doubt on Kings Rematch
The Los Angeles Lakers are fresh off a much needed 113-100 victory against the Sacramento Kings.
Now, the Lakers are set to have a rematch with the Kings tomorrow afternoon. However, they could potentially be missing their top two players.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, forward LeBron James is once again questionable ahead of the Sacramento rematch due to a left foot injury. Additionally, forward Anthony Davis has been listed as questionable with a left elbow contusion.
Four players are listed as out: power forward Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery), forward Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery), center Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain/contusion), and guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain).
Guard Bronny James and forward Maxwell Lewis will also not participate in the game. They are with the South Bay Lakers, LA’s G League affiliate.
Both James and Davis were key parts to the Lakers success last night. Davis recorded 21 points, 18 total rebounds, six blocks, four assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, James had 19 points, seven assists, six total rebounds, and one block.
Fortunately, Davis and James weren’t the only players who had standout performances last night. Guard Austin Reaves scored a team-high 25 points while also recording six total rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Guard D’Angelo Russell also had a great game off the bench, recording 16 points, six total rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
While it was great seeing so much of the team have excellent performances, it still realy comes down to James and Davis.
James has served as the leader of the team, currently averaging 22.6 points, nine assists, 7.9 total rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game.
Meanwhile, Davis is having an MVP-caliber season with an average of 27.5 points, 11.7 total rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game.
With last night’s win, the Lakers have risen from 10th place in the Western Conference to seventh with a 15-12 record. This puts them one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers (16-12) and less than one game behind the Denver Nuggets (14-11).
If the Lakers want to continue to rise, they’ll have to continue winning in a similar fashion.
The next few weeks sees Los Angeles taking on tougher teams like the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Atlanta Hawks, the Houston Rockets, and the Dallas Mavericks.
While this is certainly a tall order, there’s no doubt this team can pull it off.
Read Also…
Zhuri James Steps Honors LeBron By Wearing No.6 in her Volleyball Debut
LeBron James is a proud father once again, as his 10-year-old daughter, Zhuri James, begins her volleyball journey. Sharing a series of photos on social media, LeBron celebrated Zhuri’s first steps in the sport, where she paid tribute to his NBA legacy by donning the iconic No. 6 jersey.
This number, famously worn by LeBron during his stints with the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Team USA, holds a deep familial connection. Now, Zhuri is bringing it to the volleyball court, signaling her unique path while honoring her dad’s storied career.
LeBron and his wife, Savannah James, have always embraced the spotlight that comes with their extraordinary family dynamic. Their three children, each pursuing athletic excellence, are no strangers to public attention.
Bronny James, the eldest, is now a teammate of his father on the Los Angeles Lakers after a standout career at USC. Bryce James, their middle child, is making waves at Sierra Canyon with offers from Division I basketball programs. Now, Zhuri is stepping up to the plate or rather, the net in her own athletic pursuit.
Her volleyball debut comes with high expectations, but Zhuri is already making her mark. Division I recruiters could be knocking on her door in the next five years, and LeBron couldn’t be more thrilled. In his Instagram caption, he cheered her on enthusiastically:
As LeBron continues to break NBA records most recently surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most minutes played in league history his legacy seems to be growing through his children.
Zhuri’s decision to honor her father with her jersey number suggests that she’s ready to embrace the weight of her last name. If her talent and determination mirror her father’s, fans might one day chant “blocked by James” in a whole new context on the volleyball court.
The James family’s journey is a testament to legacy, determination, and the pursuit of greatness across generations. Zhuri James is just getting started, and the world will undoubtedly be watching her rise.
