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.

Joe Lacob didn’t hide his initial doubts about trading for Jimmy Butler, but Golden State’s owner now believes the veteran All-Star was worth every risk.

Golden State Warriors teammates Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield already have something special developing in the months that they have played together.