Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) picks up forward Jimmy Butler III (10) after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images After Hield was heroic during the Warriors' Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets—leading the team with 33 points—Butler couldn't avoid being nice to Hield anymore.

After taking down the Houston Rockets in Game 7, Warriors owner Joe Lacob gushed over Butler. The former Miami Heat superstar forced his way out of town ahead of the trade deadline with Golden State eventually being his landing spot after he initially turned them down.

In fairness to Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, this was the farthest thing from a victory lap. He was standing still, for starters, playing the role of head cheerleader in the corner of the Toyota Center court where the players whose massive paychecks he covers were practically skipping back to the visitors’ locker room to celebrate their Game 7 finish over the Houston Rockets.