Jimmy Butler’s life unfolds like a script from a Hollywood blockbuster.

It parallels the narrative of “The Blind Side,” the inspiring chronicle of Michael Oher’s evolution from a destitute teenager to an NFL sensation immortalized in the Sandra Bullock film.

At 17, Jimmy Butler found refuge under the care of Michelle Lambert, as depicted in images Credit: Alamy

Michelle Lambert, already a mother of seven, extended her home to Butler Credit: Alamy

Recently honored with the NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy, Butler’s journey is nothing short of remarkable Credit: EPA

Abandoned by his father in infancy, Butler faced expulsion from his family home at the tender age of 13, with his mother uttering, “I don’t like the look of you. You gotta go,” as he recalls.

This critical juncture could have shattered the teenager from Tomball, Texas, as he navigated a nomadic existence, hopping from one residence to another over the next four years.

However, a pivotal moment emerged during Butler’s senior year in high school when he struck up an enduring friendship with Jordan Leslie during a basketball camp shooting contest.

A swift camaraderie ensued, leading Leslie’s mother, Michelle Lambert, to open her doors to Butler, despite already nurturing seven children of her own.

Lambert imposed essential rules on Butler, including curfews and academic improvements, anchoring the prospect of stability in his tumultuous life.

Expressing gratitude, Butler recounted, “I told him my kids looked up to him. He had to stay out of trouble. Work hard in school. He had to set an example. And you know what? Jimmy did it. Anything I asked him to do, he did it without asking questions.”

Forever appreciative, Butler regards Lambert as his “mom” and cherishes the acceptance into their family for reasons beyond basketball, emphasizing Lambert’s nurturing nature.

Butler’s basketball prowess burgeoned, culminating in impressive averages of 19.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game during his senior season at Tomball High School.

The road to an NBA career appeared distant, with Butler securing a scholarship at Tyler Junior College after being overlooked by more prominent universities.

Following a stellar season at Tyler, lucrative offers from Marquette, Kentucky, Clemson, Mississippi State, and Iowa State inundated Butler.

Choosing Marquette in 2008, Butler’s knack for game-winning shots against formidable opponents like the University of Connecticut and St. John’s drew attention from NBA scouts.

In 2011, the unthinkable transpired as Butler, once a homeless teenager, was selected 30th in the NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.

NBA executives marveled at Butler’s extraordinary life journey, marked by triumphs over daunting odds.

Accruing over $180 million, Butler remains resolute about looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past, fostering a philosophy of continuous self-improvement.

His NBA career echoes the vicissitudes of his upbringing, with stints at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers post-Bulls departure in 2017.

Currently anchoring at the Miami Heat, Butler propels them to a second NBA Finals in recent years after a riveting seven-game Eastern Conference Finals victory against the Boston Celtics.

As he braces for the NBA Finals clash against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Butler endeavors to script the storybook ending to his extraordinary life narrative.

Butler’s collegiate journey soared following his transfer to Marquette Credit: Getty

Butler donned the jersey of the Minnesota Timberwolves after departing the Chicago Bulls Credit: Getty

He has discovered a home with the Miami Heat Credit: Getty Images – Getty