Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler is reportedly interested in a possible Los Angeles Lakers short-term offer as soon as free agency starts next month, as per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

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Wojnarowski said that because the NBA's 2015 Most Improved Player spent some time in L.A. this summer with actor/producer Mark Wahlberg, his interest in signing with the Lake show this offseason has definitely "increased".

But according to Bleacher Report, the real reason why Butler is more inclined to accept a shorter deal is to allow himself to earn more cash come 2016 when the league's salary cap space is expected to skyrocket because of its new television deal.

While Chicago clearly wants a long-term commitment from the former Marquette standout to the tune of maximum dollars, Butler wants to be in the market again by 2016 to try and land an even bigger deal.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is reportedly okay with what Butler has in mind as the team expects to have enough cap space to offer him more when that time comes.

Meanwhile, CBS Sports' Matt Moore said that the Lakers are eyeing the Chicago Bulls guard to play him at "small forward next to Kobe Bryant." This actually makes sense as Kobe is slowly but surely becoming a liability on the defensive end of the floor. The Black Mamba is clearly not the same, and he obviously needs help in the offensive end as well.

With arguably the best two-player in the league right now in his team, Kobe can stay relaxed on defense and he also does not have to take 40 shots a game and risk tearing his rotator cuff once more.

Alongside the return of Julius Randle, the addition of this year's no. 2 pick (who many expect would be a big man), and the emergence of 2015 NBA All-Rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson, Byron Scott would have his hands full in contending for a playoff spot in the rugged Western Conference if the Lakers manage to acquire Butler.

If Butler is really charmed about being with Hollywood celebrities and making more money, then the Lakers can give all that to him. Butler wants Los Angeles, the Lakers need Butler. It appears to be a perfect pairing.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Los Angeles Lakers, Jimmy Butler