Jimmy Butler uses day off between Heat games to jet to L.A. for Pau Gasol jersey retirement
Amid what already is a hectic schedule for the Miami Heat, forward Jimmy Butler finds himself in the midst of a three-games-in-three-days stretch, after a crosscourt side trip on Tuesday.
In the wake of going for 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in Monday night’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Miami-Dade Arena, Butler traveled to Los Angeles to be a Crypto.com Arena for Tuesday night’s Lakers’ retirement of Pau Gasol’s jersey. Butler and Gasol spent two seasons as teammates with the Chicago Bulls.
Butler then jetted back to South Florida for Wednesday night’s game against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, the start of a run of three games in four nights for the Heat, who host the Cavaliers again Friday night before playing Saturday night on the road against the Orlando Magic.
Holding up a Gasol Lakers jersey, Butler was asked by the NBA’s promotional wing about the appearance.
“What’s this guy’s name? Pau?” Butler said with a smile. “I’m here because of Pau, obviously. Congrats to my brother Pau. I love you man. Much deserved, Hall of Fame coming soon. We all know it. Appreciate you for having me my brother.”
The Heat did not practice Tuesday, other than a developmental session for the team’s younger players.
Butler spent time with Gasol and Gasol’s family courtside during the Lakers’ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies before exiting the arena.
Butler has become used to such whirlwinds, including a visit to Argentina during the recent NBA All-Star break.
Despite being listed on recent Heat injury reports with knee pain, Butler has not missed a game since Jan. 24.
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