LeBron’s agent meets with Lakers

LeBron James over a possible return to Cleveland and media reports describing his agency’s dissatisfaction with the organization, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday, insisting there is no movement afoot to seek changes in management and that he believes there is shared responsibility for the franchise’s disappointing season

Paul, whose agency represents stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, made it clear that James’ primary goal is to remain a Laker and the goal now should be to finish the season as strong as possible and then regroup in the offseason to look for ways to improve the team, sources said.

After Pelinka resisted making deals at the trade deadline, James’ own public comments, raising the possibility of a return to Cleveland and praising Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti, began to fuel speculation that he could leave in 2023 free agency. Paul has privately downplayed that possibility and told the Lakers that James is committed to playing his role in helping the Lakers become championship contenders again, sources said.

The Lakers have a 27-31 record, ninth in the Western Conference and for now are without Davis who likely will miss another four to five weeks because of a sprained midfoot in his right foot.

The Lakers believe they will have the expiring contract of point guard Russell Westbrook ($47.1 million), Talen Horton-Tucker and first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to use in trades.