The Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham after an early playoff elimination, and they are currently searching for a new coach. Upgrading the roster around players LeBron James and Anthony Davis, assuming he rejoins the organization, is another job for the front office of the franchise. James has the option to become a free agent by opting out of the last year of his contract. Most people in the sports industry, however, think he will eventually sign a new contract to rejoin the Lakers.

However, Los Angeles is under pressure to produce a competitive team because James’ illustrious career is probably coming to an end in the next season or two. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is aware of this and will enter trade negotiations with three first-round draft picks at his disposal. This summer, the team has already been linked to a number of players, but there might be one that no one is discussing. That would be Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, who has been battling contract disputes of his own.

Butler made some intriguing remarks to a reporter on the sidelines of Friday night’s 81-72 Los Angeles Sparks victory over the Dallas Wings.

“For some reason 22 looks good in purple and gold,” Butler stated. L.A.’s standout power forward Cameron Brink, the No. 2 rookie draft pick, is presently wearing Butler’s jersey number for the Sparks.

Butler was probably just joking, but with the uncertainty surrounding his situation in Miami, it’s possible that he is considering other opportunities. In addition, the Lakers have previously retired No. 22 in honor of Elgin Baylor.

However, a James, Davis, and Butler three would rank among the greatest in the league and provide the Lakers with another elite player to collaborate with. The only drawback would be Butler’s age—he is 34 years old.

The Lakers would then have three players over 30, which usually doesn’t work out well for teams. Additionally, Butler’s remarks coincide with Heat president Pat Riley’s criticism of Butler for trash-talking teams that Miami had already been eliminated from the playoffs. Riley was acting strangely at the time, and Butler appeared to be trying to leave.

With James on the team, the Lakers’ chances of winning a championship could be prolonged if Butler is acquired. James deserves a second opportunity to contend for a championship from Los Angeles, especially considering how good he is still playing so late in his career. Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the previous campaign. He is still having a great season, and he has the potential to have a significant impact on the Lakers’ prospects of winning the championship this year.

In order for this to occur in 2024, Butler would need to be traded, although the Lakers might have some players to give the Heat. Los Angeles might be able to avoid dealing him, but Miami would probably demand shooting guard Austin Reaves and all three of the Lakers’ first-round draft selections. Before a player option for the upcoming season, he is approaching the last year of his contract that is guaranteed. Miami might be forced to sell Butler if he is determined to join the Lakers in order to prevent seeing him walk away without a contract in 2025 (he has a player option for that season).