In the wake of public comments from LeBron James about a possible return to Cleveland and media reports outlining his agency’s dissatisfaction with the organization, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met Lakers owner Jenny Boss and general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday, insisting there was no ongoing move to search. about management changes and that he believes there is joint responsibility for the franchise’s disappointing season, sources told ESPN.
Paul, whose agency stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, made it clear that James’ primary goal is to remain Laker and that the goal now should be to finish the season as strong as possible and then regroup the team in the off-season to look for ways to improve. The sources said the team.
After Pelinka resisted making deals on the trade deadline, James’ public comments, which raised the possibility of a return to Cleveland and praised Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Prieste, began fueling speculation that he could leave in free agency in 2023. He downplayed this. possibility, and told the Lakers that James was committed to playing his part in helping the Lakers become contenders for the championship again, sources said.
The Lakers are 27-31, ninth in the Western Conference and currently without Davis, so sources tell ESPN there will likely be another four or five weeks due to a sprain in the middle part of the right foot.
The Lakers believe they will have Russell Westbrook ($47.1 million), Tallinn Horton Tucker and first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to use in the trades.
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