{"id":141592,"date":"2025-05-25T06:42:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T10:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=141592"},"modified":"2025-05-25T06:43:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T10:43:23","slug":"2025-nba-draft-kentucky-prospect-lamont-butler-workout-12-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/25\/2025-nba-draft-kentucky-prospect-lamont-butler-workout-12-teams\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 NBA Draft: Kentucky Prospect To Workout For 12 Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The same week that Kentucky\u2019s vaunted basketball program saw an alum win the NBA MVP Award <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/21\/shai-gilgeous-alexander-named-the-mvp\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">for the first time<\/a>, another one of their former point guards was under the microscope. In an effort to hear his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/lamont-butler-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lamont Butler<\/a> worked out at the Los Angeles Lakers facility during his Pro Day, according to former Hawaii Tribune-Herald sports editor Bill O\u2019Rear. This news comes shortly after the fifth-year senior was invited to the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BigBlueDylan\/status\/1921303160334774695\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2025 G League Elite Camp<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>2025 NBA Draft: Kentucky\u2019s Lamont Butler To Workout For 12 Teams<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Former Kentucky &amp; 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 &amp; 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Bill O&#8217;Rear (@billohoops) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/billohoops\/status\/1925011418350575766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 21, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>What makes his performance particularly impressive isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<p>With that in mind, Butler will work out for a dozen teams in the coming weeks. Of those 12, four \u2014the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors \u2014are known. Each of these franchises are either playoff contenders or playoff hopefuls.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Among the current NBA teams showing interest in Lamont Butler &amp; that he will work out for include the Hawks, Raptors, Lakers &amp; Clippers. Lamont needs just one NBA team to believe in his pro potential &amp; give him a chance to develop &amp; follow his dream. Good luck, Lamont.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Bill O&#8217;Rear (@billohoops) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/billohoops\/status\/1925032726069182889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 21, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Here\u2019s how Butler \u2014a quick-twitch athlete, two-way playmaker, and hustler with sensational scoring instincts \u2014could fare with those aforementioned teams.<\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Lakers<\/h3>\n<p>The Lakers are pretty sure that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luka Doncic<\/a> will be their starting point guard next season. However, the depth behind him isn\u2019t too clear.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vincega01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gabe Vincent<\/a> redeemed himself in 2024-25 but is replaceable. He\u2019ll also be on the final year of his contract in 2025-26. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/goodwjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Goodwin<\/a> earned <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/27\/lakers-reward-jordan-goodwin-standard-contract\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">a standard contract<\/a> but has a team option for 2025-26. 2024 No. 55 pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesbr02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bronny James<\/a> truly <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/13\/lakers-bronny-james-career-games-alter-trajectory\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">made strides throughout his rookie season<\/a> but is still green behind the ears.<\/p>\n<p>Butler would likely be a two-way signing as a rookie. Nevertheless, he has the potential to eventually emerge as Doncic\u2019s backup. Of note, the Lakers have the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Clippers<\/h3>\n<p>Though he has a player option for 2025-26, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Harden<\/a> 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\u2019t much if any depth behind Harden.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141617\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141617\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-141617\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/05\/IMG_6550-1200x800.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nov 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) is fouled by LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) and guard James Harden (1) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dunnkr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kris Dunn<\/a> is a nominal point guard but starts alongside Harden due to his defense. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/simmobe01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ben Simmons<\/a>, whose passiveness undermines his dynamic talent, will be an unrestricted free agent. Even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/millspa02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patty Mills<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Atlanta Hawks<\/h3>\n<p>Like the L.A. teams, the Hawks look like they know who their starting point guard will be heading into 2025-26: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/y\/youngtr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trae Young<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, there\u2019s at least one player who could stake their claim as Young\u2019s backup: 6-foot-8 playmaker <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/krejcvi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vit Krejci<\/a>. However, if they don\u2019t bring back <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wallake01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Keaton Wallace<\/a>, their point guard depth will be iffy. That\u2019s even when considering that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/daniedy01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dyson Daniels<\/a>\u00a0is more of a point guard than a wing. Thus, a shifty and confident lead guard like Butler could be an attractive option.<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta has the 13th and 22nd picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n<h3>Toronto Raptors<\/h3>\n<p>Barring a trade, the Raptors will be starting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/q\/quickim01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Immanuel Quickley<\/a> at point guard next season. If Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has anything to say about it (and he does), 2024 No. 45 pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sheadja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamal Shead<\/a> will be his backup. However, there are multiple reasons they need to shore up their depth.<\/p>\n<p>Though normally healthy, Quickley had an injury-plagued season in 2024-25 and its possible it won\u2019t be his last. Shead played above expectations but his efficiency leaves something to be desired. On top of that, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/templga01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Garrett Temple<\/a> heading into free agency. Whether Butler comes in and rocks their world or not, he\u2019d fortify their point guard group.<\/p>\n<p>Toronto has the 9th and 39th overall picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a9 Alex Martin\/Journal and Courier \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The same week that Kentucky\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5008,"featured_media":141627,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[556,4,1608,27,26,62,3,14],"tags":[4572,3178,444,776,1133,98,1349],"class_list":["post-141592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba-draft","category-hawks","category-basketball","category-clippers","category-lakers","category-nba","category-news","category-raptors","tag-bronny-james","tag-immanuel-quickley","tag-james-harden","tag-kentucky-wildcats","tag-luka-doncic","tag-nba-draft","tag-trae-young"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141592"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":141630,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141592\/revisions\/141630"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/141627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}