"There is a chance small forward Caron Butler could play in the Dallas Mavericks' second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Butler suffered a ruptured right patellar tendon Jan. 1, an injury that had to be surgically repaired. The Mavericks originally announced that Butler's season was over, but he set a goal of returning during the playoffs, and aggressively rehabbed.

While leaving the Rose Garden after the Mavericks' series-clinching win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Butler said he could be cleared to practice with contact after being evaluated in a workout when the team returns to Dallas.

He expressed optimism that he would be able to play at some point during the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers.

"I hope so," Butler told ESPNDallas.com. "We've got to get back and see."

Butler, a two-time All-Star who formed a close friendship with Kobe Bryant while playing for the Lakers in 2004-05, averaged 15.0 points per game and excelled defensively this season. "