Breaking: Emotional Letter from Lamont Butler to Teammate Kerr Kriisa Following His Departure from Kentucky
Dear Kerr,
I hope this letter finds you in good spirits, even though I know the weight of the words I’m about to share might be heavy. I write this not only as your teammate, but as someone who values the bond we’ve built on and off the court. It’s not often that the game of basketball gives you the chance to form such deep connections with the people you play alongside. You, Kerr, are one of those rare individuals, and it is for this reason that I cannot let you go without expressing the thoughts that have been on my heart.
I won’t pretend to fully understand the reasons behind your decision, and maybe I never will. But what I do know is that we still need you here. The team, the fans, the university, and, most importantly, I, need you to stay. Your leadership and your presence have been the driving forces behind so much of our success. You might not always see it in yourself, but the way you carry yourself, the way you inspire others, and the way you give everything you have every time you step on that court—that’s the definition of leadership. That’s the essence of what this team is about.
There’s an old saying in basketball, “When one player leaves, it’s not just their shoes that need to be filled, but their heart and their mind.” Your heart and mind are irreplaceable, Kerr. No one brings the same energy and level-headedness in tight moments quite like you do. The way you handle pressure is something I’ve always admired. In the most intense of games, when things seemed impossible, you were always the one to steady the ship and remind us all why we do this. We followed you, and we trusted you. That’s something no one can take away.
But beyond the court, man, you’ve been a friend to me. A constant source of support, encouragement, and genuine kindness. I’ve had a lot of teammates in my career, but few have made me feel as valued as you do. When I first came to Kentucky, I didn’t know what to expect, but you made the transition easier. You always knew the right things to say, the right ways to lead, and even when things weren’t going our way, you kept the locker room in check. You made every drill, every practice, every game feel like something we were all working toward together.
I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I don’t understand why you might want to make a change. Life outside of basketball is just as important as the game itself. There’s a lot that we can’t control, and sometimes, a new path can feel like the right one to take. But I hope you know that Kentucky, this team, and I personally, are all better for having had you here. You’ve left an undeniable mark on this program. It’s more than just your skill—your heart, your character, and your work ethic have shaped who we are.
Please, Kerr, think long and hard about what you’re walking away from. I’m not trying to make this decision for you, but I know this: the future of this team, this season, and all that we’ve worked for so far—none of it will be the same without you. I can’t imagine running those plays, going through those battles, and pushing each other to be great without you by my side.
You’ve made an impact here that goes far beyond statistics and accolades. You’ve earned the respect of everyone around you. I know that we’ll all support you, no matter what direction you choose, but I just want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that this team, this family, still needs you.
Whatever your decision ends up being, know that we’re with you. But, please, don’t go just yet. Let’s finish what we started. Let’s chase that championship. We need you, Kerr.
With respect and admiration,
Lamont
