NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler Wears Purple And Gold Shoes; Hinting At Switch To Lakers?

Philadelphia 76ers star Jimmy Butler posted a new photo on Instagram showing off his purple and gold sneakers, leading many to believe that this is a hint of his switch to Los Angeles Lakers.

In a recent Instagram post, the four-time NBA All-Star may have given fans a hint regarding which team he would like to join as he hits free agency. Butler’s shoes in the snap seem to be strongly suggesting that his favorite team is the Los Angeles Lakers as they are purple and gold, the two colors the franchise is known for, SB Nation reported.

Prior to his post, the Lakers may have already shown interest in the 76ers star. Reports previously claimed that LeBron James has started reaching out to Butler and Kawhi Leonard in the hopes of recruiting them to join the team.

Butler, for his part, said a straightforward statement regarding the Lakers' apparent interest in acquiring him. Just over a week ago, the 29-year-old NBA star stated that he will immediately sign with the Lakers if the team will offer him a supermax contract, a demand which Butler apparently has been yearning for as he becomes a free agent this offseason.

The Philadelphia 76ers also joined the mix as the team was reportedly pushing for Butler to stay with them. According to Yahoo Sports, the Sixers are willing to offer Butler a max contract in order to keep him in their roster.

In addition to the hot air about the Lakers and Butler, it appears that even the Lakers players are starting to get involved with it. Reports claimed that Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma has just followed Butler on Instagram, a move that seems to fuel the possibility that the Sixers star is really close to making a deal with the Lakers.

With the no. 4 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and enough cap space, the Lakers are capable of acquiring Butler. Several sources predicted that the Lakers will add more supporting star players this offseason and may opt for a deal with either Butler or Bradley Beal.

Aside from Kawhi, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, Butler is one of the players who have been consistently linked with the Lakers over the past few weeks.

So far, Butler remains a top free agent and there is no solid confirmation as to which team he would switch to.