The Lakers, like so many rich folks in the Los Angeles area, have money to spend this summer. And while they've already been linked to Rajon Rondo (Kobe Bryant's fellow type-A personality) and Kevin Love (a UCLA product), it makes sense that restricted free agent Jimmy Butler's name has entered the fray.

The Lakers will prepare a maximum offer sheet for the Chicago Bulls breakout star, according to Shams Charania of RealGM.

Of course, there is virtually no way the Bulls don't match any offer to the NBA's newly minted Most Improved Player. Butler is saying all the right things about his desire to stay in Chicago, and franchises simply don't let two-way studs of his ilk walk in restricted free agency.

Butler is peaking at the right time for himself financially. He notched career-highs in points (20), 3-point percentage (37.8), rebounds (5.8) and assists (3.3) this season.