Reports say that the Los Angeles Lakers want Chicago Bull's Jimmy Butler to play for them next season. The 16-time NBA champions are one of several teams that are setting their sights on the reigning 2015 NBA Most Improved Player awardee, according to RealGM's Shams Charania.

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This year is actually a breakthrough year for Butler, as he averaged career highs in points (20.0 ppg), rebounds (5.8 rpg), assists (3.3 apg), and free throw percentage (83.4%) during the regular season, making him one of the most highly-coveted rising superstars this offseason.

Butler, the 30th pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft and a restricted free agent this summer, had rejected a four-year extension from the Bulls before the start of this season. It turned out to be a wise move as he had managed to position himself to receive a possible maximum salary next season.

The Lakers are reportedly preparing to give him what he wants, writes Lakers Nation's Dan Duangdao. Los Angeles had long been looking for an efficient two-way wing player, and Mitch Kupchak may have found it in Butler. With their manageable salary cap, they are persistent in finding a potential heir apparent to the great Kobe Bryant, who is already in the twilight of his career. And Butler also seems to be the perfect fit alongside their two young guns, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.

The Bulls are anticipated to match any proposal that Butler will receive this offseason, including a max offer. However, ESPN's Marc Stein hinted that with the inevitable coaching change that will take place in Chicago, Butler may be discouraged to play for anyone other than Tom Thibodeau, who had been his mentor through all of his four seasons in the NBA.

Another thing to consider is what the Bulls' executives would feel about having two max players on their roster beginning next season. Is that something that they are willing to shoulder for the long term?

Nothing is really set in stone when it comes to the Jimmy Butler saga. Everyone would just have to wait and see to find out.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA rumors, NBA trade, Lakers rumors, Los Angeles Lakers, Jimmy Butler