Report: Rich Paul upset with Lakers over failed trade

The Los Angeles Lakers’ poor season and trade deadline inactivity has increased tensions around the organization. One issue that may loom large is the relationship between the team’s general manager and the agent of its star player.

Relations between Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports, which represents James, and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka have worsened recently, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. Paul and Klutch were reportedly particularly angered by Pelinka’s refusal to trade Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick to Houston in exchange for Klutch client John Wall. The Lakers did not see Wall as a basketball upgrade, but Klutch saw the trade as undoing what it sees as a mistake in acquiring Westbrook while simultaneously freeing Wall from Houston.

Klutch represents both James and Anthony Davis, which inevitably puts the Lakers in a tough spot. The organization has ceded significant power to James, and there is some backlash when the Lakers are unwilling to do what his camp might prefer.

Reports have indicated that financial concerns also played a role in the Lakers’ refusal to swap Westbrook for Wall. Whatever the case, James seems to have been sending some subtle messages toward Pelinka. If this report is any indication, Paul feels the same way about things right now.

Photo: Jan 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; NBA agent Rich Paul talks on the phone prior to the game between the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports