"Perfect backup for Luka Doncic": Lakers fans react to 6’2" guard landing pre-draft workout

Five-time All-NBA first-team member Luka Doncic is the future of the LA Lakers franchise post-LeBron James era. However, LA's front office still has some work to do to surround Doncic with talent to create a winning roster. This offseason, that work begins via free agency and the draft.

One talent that LA's front office has its eyes on is the fifth-year senior from Kentucky, Lamont Butler. According to reports, the Lakers are working out with Butler ahead of the draft to assess his fit.

Expand Tweet

The news has several LA fans excited. Here are some reactions from fans who think he'll be a good fit.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Another fan had this to say:

One person tweeted:

However, not every Lakers fan thinks they should draft Butler. Some believe they should draft a big man or at least avoid a small guard.

One person said:

Another tweeted:

One person said:

Butler spent five years in college. He played his first four years at San Diego State before moving to Kentucky for his fifth year. He averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals in those five years.

Nothing he does on offense stands out too much, but he's been praised for his defense. He is projected to be selected in the second round or go undrafted. Should he go undrafted, any team that wants him, including LA, can sign him as a free agent.

Also read: "LeBron, alley oop to Luka" - Lakers fans react as Luka Doncic seemingly looks slimmer in meet-up with $3.8B Spanish giants president

The LA Lakers also worked out with a prospect from UConn

The LA Lakers do not have any first-round picks in the 2025 draft and won't pick until the 55th selection. While this isn't the most favorable position for a team that wants to secure talent, there are some options they can go with.

Another player that LA has set its eyes on is UConn big man Samson Johnson.

Expand Tweet

Johnson played all four years of his college career at UConn and won two national championships with them. He served mainly as a backup during his first three years before starting in 34 games in his senior year. He averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in the first three years. In his final year, he put up 7.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.5 bpg.

Unless they can trade for another pick or move up in the draft, LA will need to pick one among Butler and Johnson or any other prospects they've had their eyes on.

About the author

Miguel is a basketball writer at Sportskeeda with an overall experience of 7 years. A lover of the sport owing to its mental aspect, he has played it throughout high school and college as a power forward and small forward, and has also coached high school and college basketball teams. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on the game, which translates into insightful content.

For Miguel, the San Antonio Spurs, especially during the Tim Duncan era, were the embodiment of team basketball. He respects Gregg Popovich's empathy toward his players and his understanding of the game. The Spurs' titles, Kobe Bryant's poignant "Dear Basketball" tribute, Derrick Rose's remarkable 50-point game with Minnesota and Magic Johnson's remarkable comeback are among Miguel's top basketball moments.

For his articles, he conducts thorough research, cross verifies information with at least three sources, and sometimes sacrifices speed for accuracy. Content simplification and maintaining a neutral view on topics are his strengths.

Miguel follows other sports, particularly the NFL, and when not working he enjoys hobbies like cooking and playing video games.

Know More

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos