The Lakers (20-17) have lost three straight games after winning eight of their previous 11, and just as they were a month ago, they're in danger of letting an opportunity to ultimately make some noise this season slip between their fingers.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday morning that Butler, who's currently serving a seven-game suspension for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team, had a face-to-face meeting with team president Pat Riley last week and reiterated that he wants to be traded and will not sign a new deal in Miami.