Butler Trying to End a Bad Season on a Good Note

After a slow start this season, the Lakers’ Caron Butler has steadily picked up his game, but over the last month he has played the best basketball of his career.

Since March 17, Butler’s scoring average has increased from 13.9 points to 15.6 while his shooting percentage has improved from 43.7% to 44.6%.

“I want to finish on a good note and leave an image fresh in the minds of Laker fans that it’s going to be better next year,” said Butler, who scored a season-high 34 points in the Lakers’ 115-106 loss to Sacramento on Friday. “I want to show that Kobe [Bryant] and Lamar [Odom] have someone to play with.”

Bryant was with his wife, Vanessa, who is having a difficult pregnancy, instead of at the game Friday, so Butler stepped up against the Kings. As the Lakers’ top offensive threat, Butler made 11 of 20 shots and 12 of 13 free throws.

“We’re playing for our pride, we’re playing for our fans, we’re playing for Los Angeles,” Butler said. “I know what’s at stake.”

Coach Frank Hamblen said Butler has become more comfortable with the Lakers’ 2005 version of the triangle offense, and that has helped him play more aggressively.

“He’s really been terrific for us,” Hamblen said about Butler, who’s also averaging 5.8 rebounds. “He’s really been aggressive. You can see the development in his shot and with his shot selection.”

Not only has Butler been impressive offensively, Hamblen said that the swingman could grow into a defensive stopper.

“He has that ability,” Hamblen said. “Off the ball, he anticipates very well and gets steals. On the ball, he has great hands. I think that will be a great role for him in this league.”

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Bryant’s status for today’s game against Dallas is uncertain. He was not at the Lakers’ HealthSouth practice facility Saturday and after the team’s workout Hamblen said, “I haven’t talked to Kobe, no, not today.”

Bryant has missed 16 games this season.

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TODAY

vs. Dallas, 12:30 p.m., Channel 7

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570.

Records -- Lakers 34-45, Mavericks 55-24.

Record vs. Mavericks -- 2-1.

Update --The Lakers will be looking to clinch the season series after winning the last two meetings. Dirk Nowitzki did not play in Dallas’ 102-90 victory at Portland on Thursday because of a sore left shoulder.