The same week that Kentucky’s vaunted basketball program saw an alum win the NBA MVP Award for the first time, another one of their former point guards was under the microscope. In an effort to hear his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft, Lamont Butler worked out at the Los Angeles Lakers facility during his Pro Day, according to former Hawaii Tribune-Herald sports editor Bill O’Rear. This news comes shortly after the fifth-year senior was invited to the 2025 G League Elite Camp.
2025 NBA Draft: Kentucky’s Lamont Butler To Workout For 12 Teams
In 2024-25, Butler posted 11.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Notably, he converted 49.8 percent of his field goal attempts and 39.1 percent of his 3s. A transfer from San Diego State, it was undoubtedly the magnum opus of his career.
Former Kentucky & San Diego State PG Lamont Butler is busy chasing his NBA dream. Lamont worked out Tuesday in the Pro Day session at the Lakers facility & did well. Overall, Lamont has 12 workouts with NBA teams with the NBA draft coming up on June 25-26. A busy time for Lamont.
— Bill O’Rear (@billohoops) May 21, 2025
What makes his performance particularly impressive isn’t just that he saved his best for last. He played better against better competition; the SEC was the top conference in college basketball last season.
With that in mind, Butler will work out for a dozen teams in the coming weeks. Of those 12, four —the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors —are known. Each of these franchises are either playoff contenders or playoff hopefuls.
Among the current NBA teams showing interest in Lamont Butler & that he will work out for include the Hawks, Raptors, Lakers & Clippers. Lamont needs just one NBA team to believe in his pro potential & give him a chance to develop & follow his dream. Good luck, Lamont.
— Bill O’Rear (@billohoops) May 21, 2025
Here’s how Butler —a quick-twitch athlete, two-way playmaker, and hustler with sensational scoring instincts —could fare with those aforementioned teams.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are pretty sure that Luka Doncic will be their starting point guard next season. However, the depth behind him isn’t too clear.
Gabe Vincent redeemed himself in 2024-25 but is replaceable. He’ll also be on the final year of his contract in 2025-26. Jordan Goodwin earned a standard contract but has a team option for 2025-26. 2024 No. 55 pick Bronny James truly made strides throughout his rookie season but is still green behind the ears.
Butler would likely be a two-way signing as a rookie. Nevertheless, he has the potential to eventually emerge as Doncic’s backup. Of note, the Lakers have the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Los Angeles Clippers
Though he has a player option for 2025-26, James Harden can be penciled in as their starter next season. Still, the Clippers have even less clarity than the Lakers with regard to their point guard position. There isn’t much if any depth behind Harden.
Kris Dunn is a nominal point guard but starts alongside Harden due to his defense. Ben Simmons, whose passiveness undermines his dynamic talent, will be an unrestricted free agent. Even Patty Mills will be on the market. All of this gives Butler the opportunity to step up for the Clippers, who have the 30th and 51st picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Atlanta Hawks
Like the L.A. teams, the Hawks look like they know who their starting point guard will be heading into 2025-26: Trae Young.
Furthermore, there’s at least one player who could stake their claim as Young’s backup: 6-foot-8 playmaker Vit Krejci. However, if they don’t bring back Keaton Wallace, their point guard depth will be iffy. That’s even when considering that Dyson Daniels is more of a point guard than a wing. Thus, a shifty and confident lead guard like Butler could be an attractive option.
Atlanta has the 13th and 22nd picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Toronto Raptors
Barring a trade, the Raptors will be starting Immanuel Quickley at point guard next season. If Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has anything to say about it (and he does), 2024 No. 45 pick Jamal Shead will be his backup. However, there are multiple reasons they need to shore up their depth.
Though normally healthy, Quickley had an injury-plagued season in 2024-25 and its possible it won’t be his last. Shead played above expectations but his efficiency leaves something to be desired. On top of that, Garrett Temple heading into free agency. Whether Butler comes in and rocks their world or not, he’d fortify their point guard group.
Toronto has the 9th and 39th overall picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
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