Dream Reignited: Lamont Butler Invited to the NBA G League After Long Road of Grit and Determination
SAN DIEGO, CA — May 7, 2025
In a moment of redemption that has sparked celebration across college basketball circles and especially within the halls of San Diego State University, former Aztecs star Lamont Butler has officially been invited to join the NBA G League, breathing fresh life into a professional career that many once feared might not materialize after the 2024 NBA Draft passed him by without a selection.
The 6-foot-2 point guard, best known for his lockdown defense, clutch shot-making, and leadership during SDSU’s 2023 Final Four run, now has the opportunity to prove himself once again—this time in the G League, where young talents and overlooked veterans alike battle for their shot at the NBA.
Butler’s invitation comes from the G League’s Elite Camp Program, a competitive and high-stakes circuit designed to evaluate and promote players with borderline NBA potential. According to multiple sources close to the G League front office, Butler is expected to join the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, for workouts and team orientation later this month. If he performs well, he could earn a standard G League contract for the 2025–26 season—or better yet, find himself on a two-way deal with an NBA team.
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A GRITTY JOURNEY DEFINED BY CHARACTER AND PERSEVERANCE
Lamont Butler’s rise has never been straightforward. From the moment he stepped on campus at SDSU in 2020, the Riverside native had to carve out his spot in a program built on discipline and defense. Initially playing behind seasoned veterans, Butler spent his first two years learning the Aztec system under head coach Brian Dutcher, gradually earning more minutes as a fierce on-ball defender and evolving offensive piece.
But it was in the 2022–23 season that Butler truly cemented his legacy. With the Aztecs surging through the NCAA Tournament, it was Butler’s buzzer-beating jumper against Florida Atlantic in the Final Four that sent San Diego State to its first-ever national championship game—a shot that will live forever in March Madness history.
“He’s the heart of this team,” Coach Dutcher said in 2023. “The kid is all guts. All fight.”
In his senior year (2023–24), Butler averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. While his numbers didn’t leap off the page, scouts consistently praised his basketball IQ, perimeter defense, and mature court presence. Unfortunately, in a draft class loaded with guards and offensive firepower, Butler was not selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. A brief stint in Summer League with the Sacramento Kings followed, but without a guaranteed contract, Butler returned to California to continue training and waiting for his next shot.
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THE G LEAGUE INVITATION: A SECOND CHANCE FOR A DESERVING TALENT
Now, nearly a year after that disappointment, Butler’s call-up to the G League represents more than just an invitation. It’s a validation of everything he’s fought for.
“Lamont never stopped grinding,” said agent Mike Coles of Veritas Sports Group. “While others moved on or gave up, he stayed in the gym, stayed hungry, stayed humble. He knew that his time would come.”
The G League’s South Bay Lakers, who have helped develop current NBA players such as Austin Reaves and Talen Horton-Tucker, are seen as an ideal fit for Butler. With their focus on pace, ball movement, and two-way play, the system could allow him to shine in ways that weren’t always possible in the slower-paced college game.
“He fits our mold,” one Lakers scout told The Athletic. “Tough, intelligent, unselfish. He’s not flashy, but he wins. That’s the kind of player we want to see flourish.”
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REACTION FROM SDSU AND THE BASKETBALL WORLD
The reaction to Butler’s G League opportunity has been one of pride and joy, especially in San Diego. SDSU’s athletic department issued a statement of congratulations on Tuesday morning, while Coach Dutcher personally called Butler to share his excitement.
“Lamont earned everything that’s coming to him,” Dutcher told local media. “He never complained, never cut corners. He’s the embodiment of what we build here. And I know he’ll make the most of this chance.”
Former teammates like Matt Bradley and Keshad Johnson posted heartfelt messages on social media, praising Butler’s perseverance and expressing confidence in his continued rise.
Fans, too, have embraced the moment with open arms. Within minutes of the news breaking, “LAMONT BUTLER” trended regionally on X (formerly Twitter), with fans reliving his iconic Final Four shot and sharing stories of his impact on the SDSU community.
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LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUTLER AND THE G LEAGUE
For Butler, the upcoming months are critical. G League Elite Camp will pit him against other hungry, often underappreciated talents vying for roster spots, and every possession could mean the difference between making a team or getting cut.
Still, Butler’s work ethic and maturity make him a unique prospect. He’s not just playing for himself—he’s playing for his family, his city, and the thousands of players who dream of getting even a fraction of the chance he now has.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Butler reflected on what drives him:
> “I’ve been overlooked before. I’ve been told I wasn’t good enough. But I know what I can do. I play with pride, with discipline, and with heart. That’s never changed. I’m ready for this.”
The G League, which continues to evolve as a key player development system for the NBA, has increasingly become a launchpad for underdog stories. With Butler now entering that pipeline, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if the former Aztec can turn this latest chapter into something special.
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BEYOND THE COURT: A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
Lamont Butler’s story is not just about basketball. It’s about persistence, mental strength, and staying true to one’s values even in the face of uncertainty.
He has frequently visited youth camps in San Diego and Riverside, encouraging young players to focus on their education and build strong character. In 2023, he was awarded the Mountain West Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, reflecting his success in the classroom as well as on the court.
His message has always been clear: “Stay grounded. Stay focused. Trust the process.”
Now, that process has brought him back to the brink of professional basketball glory.
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CONCLUSION: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
As Lamont Butler prepares to step onto a G League court for the first time, one thing is certain—he’s not just playing for a contract. He’s playing to inspire, to prove doubters wrong, and to show the world that quiet resilience, unshakable discipline, and an unrelenting will to succeed still matter in today’s game.
For SDSU fans, for California basketball, and for the legions of young athletes watching him closely, Butler’s invitation to the G League is more than just good news—it’s a story of hope.
