Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight vs the Lakers? Latest injury update on Heat superstar's status (Dec. 4)   

Jimmy Butler has been in and out of Miami's starting lineup this season. The absence hasn't helped the team's case as they continue to struggle to get to the .500 mark in the East. They were without their star in their ugly 19-point loss to the Boston Celtics.

Butler was initially listed questionable but later upgraded to available ahead of the marquee matchup. The forward has played in just 14 games this season as he continues to grapple with injuries. The latest updated injury report sees him diagnosed with right knee soreness. His return would undoubtedly bolster Miami's inconsistent offense. There's also the added fact that Butler has always relished playing against LeBron James.

While the report suggests that the forward might be sidelined, it's Jimmy Butler at the end of the day and if he does indeed suit up. it will be an advantage for Miami against a shaky Lakers unit.

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Jimmy Butler stats vs LA Lakers

Jimmy Butler has fared well in his career against the Lakers. He averages 2.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 26 games against the Purple and Gold. His best performance vs the Lakers was in the 2020 NBA Finals. The forward exploded for 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists to help the Heat stay alive in the competition.

Butler has averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 53.8% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc in his 14 appearances this season.

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Jimmy Butler trade rumors: Heat forward linked to Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets

There appear to be multiple suitors if the Miami Heat decide to trade franchise superstar Jimmy Butler. Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets are looked at as interested parties in the 6x NBA All-Star's services. Scotto also added that the Brooklyn Nets, who were initially linked to the 35-year-old did not see him as a fit as they shifted their focus to building and developing young talent.

Butler will be a massive name in unrestricted free agency in 2025 if he says no to his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. In June, NBA insider Shams Charania reported for The Athletic that Butler didn't plan on signing an extension with the Heat or any other potentially interested before his opt-out window.