Decisions Are Expected on Futures of Butler, Rush

The Lakers are expected to decide today whether to exercise fourth-year options for forward Caron Butler and guard Kareem Rush, moves that would keep both under contract through next season.

If a third-year player does not have his 2005-06 option picked up by Monday, he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Butler, acquired from the Miami Heat as part of the Shaquille O’Neal trade, has had an impressive exhibition season. He will make a relatively affordable $2.46 million in 2005-06 if the Lakers exercise his option, which they are expected to do.

Rush, best known for making six of seven three-point shots against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 of last season’s Western Conference finals, would make $1.81 million next season.

The Lakers are leaning toward bringing Rush back, but his situation is not as clear-cut as Butler’s.

Rush has been hampered by a sore tendon in his foot, although the Lakers like his athleticism and potential.

*

Center Vlade Divac will miss at least the first two weeks of the regular season, placing increased importance on Chris Mihm, a former lottery pick who has played well for the Lakers so far.

Mihm, acquired from the Boston Celtics in the Gary Paytontrade, averaged 9.8 points, 57.4% shooting, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots in exhibition play.

He has averaged 6.9 points and five rebounds in his career since he was picked seventh overall in the 2000 draft.

Coach Rudy Tomjanovich, a former No. 2 overall selection who toiled at the start of his career, can relate.

“There’s just a handful of guys that have a career that is a smooth ride, the Magic Johnsons, the great players in this league,” Tomjanovich said. “Most of us normal human beings who have played this game [struggled]. I have memories of being in San Diego and the headlines were ‘Rudy Who?’ I wasn’t playing a lot. That’s what motivated me to make it to another level.”

*

The Lakers never finished better than 4-4 in exhibition play under Phil Jackson, but there was a slight sense of accomplishment after they beat the Washington Wizards on Thursday to finish 6-2.

“I know it means nothing, [but] I’d rather be 6-2 than 2-6,” Tomjanovich said, smiling.