NBA Rumors: An NBA star seemingly hints about wanting to join the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers probably have big offseason plans to improve their roster after a disappointing season and they may have a new trade target. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is seeking a max contract extension with his team worth $113 million.

That might be a sticking point with Miami, however, since he is almost 35 years old. That makes his recent comments made while being interviewed during an LA Sparks game eyebrow-raising.

During the interview, Butler mentioned spending a lot of time in LA of late, as well as the number 22 (his number) looking good in gold and purple (the Lakers colors). There are three ways that Butler's comments could be taken.

The first is that they were innocent, with no arterial motive behind them, with the number 22 comment being about Sparks rookie Cameron Brink, who shares his jersey number.The second is that he is sending an indirect message to Pat Riley and the Heat to extend him or risk him demanding a trade to the Lakers. Lastly, it could be seen as a means of getting the Lakers to try and acquire him this summer.

Could Jimmy Butler be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers?

ESPN's Zach Lowe has stated that he believes Butler will be traded this summer and the Lakers might have interest if the price is right. One such package may include Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and D'Angelo Russell, who'd need to opt into his player option and might be willing to do so to play in Miami.

Moreover, the Heat would receive the 17th pick in this year's draft and a top-8 protected first in 2029 in exchange for Butler. Whether that trade package would be enough is questionable, and Miami may not be looking to move Butler unless he demands a trade first. If that were to happen, then the Lakers might be on Butler's list of teams that he would be willing to play for, based on his aforementioned comments.