The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat recently locked horns in a regular-season matchup.
It was an incredibly tight contest that ended with Jimmy Butler and the Heat getting a 108-107 win against the Purple and Gold.
For the Lakers, it was the LeBron James show as he dropped 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 37 minutes of playing time.
Despite James’ incredible performance, the Heat were simply the better team.
But that doesn’t mean James’ efforts weren’t recognized, as Jimmy Butler praised the veteran superstar via “ClutchPoints” on Twitter.
“I think it’s a privilege to play against him and guard him,” Butler said of James.
“I respect LeBron so much…I think it’s a privilege to play against him, and guard him.”
Jimmy Butler on facing LeBron James.
(via @ZachWeinberger) pic.twitter.com/9KJdYAQWlH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 7, 2023
Butler may be one of the best players in the Eastern Conference, and even after leading the Heat to the 2023 NBA Finals, he knows which players to respect.
In fact, the veteran forward claimed it was a privilege to play against James in the NBA.
Butler played extremely well in his own right, finishing with 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in the narrow one-point victory against the Lakers.
Sure, 20+ point performances from Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo helped the Heat seal the game, but Butler was still the star of the show.
Following the decisive game, the Heat have improved their record to 3-4.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have dropped to 3-4 after being at the .500 mark prior to traveling to Miami.
Considering the two heavyweights only play twice in a season, the Lakers will have a chance to level the series in January 2024.
Will the James-led Lakers take revenge against the Heat later in the season?
We’ll find out in January.
NEXT:
Heat Star Shares His Thoughts On Notable Performance Against The Lakers