NBA News Roundup, April 1st 2019: Zion Williamson NBA bound, Jimmy Butler to the Lakers and more 

The NBA season is quickly coming to a close, however, there is no shortage of stories developing around the league. April is a time in which the NBA playoffs are on the horizon for many teams, while others are already looking towards trades and the upcoming draft.

So, with this in mind, here are all the NBA stories you need to know for April 1st.

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LeBron James shut down for the remainder of the season

LeBron James' first season with the Los Angeles Lakers has been disappointing

The Los Angeles Lakers are already out of the playoff race, although after a difficult season, the team is looking to finish the season strongly. Luke Walton's men have recorded four wins over their last five games, with LeBron James almost averaging a triple-double in that time.

However, James' first season in Los Angeles now looks to be over after the Lakers made the decision to shut him down for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite the Lakers having nothing left to play for, Walton yesterday told ESPN that the Lakers still had a tough time in convincing the 34-year-old to sit:

He wants to play. My understanding from the medical staff, they finally said, 'Look, it's just not worth it anymore. Let's make sure you have a healthy summer.' We'll move forward without him on the floor for the final six.

James sustained a left groin tear on Christmas Day, missing the subsequent 17 games. The veteran's absence coincided with a poor stretch of form, and the Lakers were not able to recover lost ground when the 15-time All-Star finally returned.

With James' debut season now over, his stat line reads 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. In the 55 games he played, James also managed eight triple-doubles (4th best total in the NBA).

Zion Williamson is NBA bound

NCAA Basketball Tournament - East Regional - Washington DC

While it was major news that Duke yesterday fell to a surprise 68-67 defeat to Michigan State, the main story coming out of the night is that Zion Williamson can now turn his attention to the NBA.

The 18-year-old has been widely labeled as the most promising teenager since LeBron James emerged in the early 2000s, and NBA teams are thought to be lining up to build their franchise around him. Zion is expected to be drafted as the No. 1 pick, and the New York Knicks have been touted as one of his most likely destinations.

With Williamson's college career now over, he is also finally eligible to sign sponsorship deals. ESPN is reporting that he will sign one of the biggest rookie shoe deals in history, with the likes of Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance, Puma, and Anta all set to make major offers.

Jimmy Butler continues to be linked to the Lakers

Jimmy Butler continues to be linked with a move to the Lakers

Due to their recent elimination from playoff contention, the Lakers are now looking towards a pivotal summer. After failing to add a second All-Star alongside LeBron James last year, the team knows that it is a must this summer.

The Lakers are expected to make a trade offer for Anthony Davis, while also pursuing free-agents such as Kyrie Irving, however, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is suggesting that the organization may also explore a deal for Jimmy Butler:

The Lakers have been working to add an All-Star next to James since the three-time champion announced his intentions to sign last July. Butler could be a serious candidate for their available cap space this offseason.

Butler joined the Sixers from the Timberwolves last November, although the 29-year-old is expected to opt out of the $19.8 million final year of his contract in favor of a larger deal.