LOS ANGELES — Jimmy Butler wasn’t missing opening night.

Butler lifts Golden State in myriad ways with his skills, leadership, experience and intangibles, writes Athlon's Mark Medina.

The Warriors won their opening game, largely because Jimmy Butler had a standout performance against the Lakers.

Steve Kerr feels Jimmy Butler is serving a key role for the Golden State Warriors that was once played by former franchise stalwarts like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston.

Jimmy Butler III scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 as the visiting Golden State Warriors opened the season with a 119-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Jonathan Kuminga produced 17 points and nine rebounds and Buddy Hield also had 17 points for the Warriors,

During his postgame news conference, Butler made the amusing admission that his free-throw production may be under additional pressure this season. The veteran forward admitted that he's made a bet with Draymond Green that he will end the season with a better free-throw percentage than superstar guard Stephen Curry.

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Buddy Hield joked about having disdain for teammate Jimmy Butler following the Dubs' 119-109 season-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Colin Cowherd recently urged the Golden State Warriors to trade Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga to the Milwaukee Bucks for a superstar forward.