NBA Rumors: Lakers' Relationship With James' Agent "At Its Lowest Point"

The future of LeBron James in LA may be at stake. With only one more year left on his contract, and eyes on playing with his son Bronny when he comes into the league in 2 years, the last thing the Los Angeles Lakers need is to burn bridges with James' agents, Klutch Sports. 

But according to a report from Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Rich Paul and his Klutch Sports Agency are fuming over the Lakers' refusal to acquire their client John Wall from the Houston Rockets in return for Russell Westbrook and a 1st-round draft pick at the trade deadline. 

Report: Klutch Sports is ‘not happy’ with Rob Pelinka

“It reached a boil when Pelinka refused to trade [Russell] Westbrook and a future first-round pick (likely 2027) for Houston Rockets guard and Klutch client John Wall.”https://t.co/Wj4ve4kDQI

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 20, 2022

"Klutch is not happy with Pelinka"

According to multiple NBA sources, says Pincus, "Klutch is not happy with (Lakers GM Rob) Pelinka... The relationship between Klutch Sports, led by James' agent Rich Paul, and the franchise is at its lowest point.

“It reached a boil," Pincus continued, "when Pelinka refused to trade [Russell] Westbrook and a future first-round pick (likely 2027) for Houston Rockets guard and Klutch client John Wall.”

On August 4th this summer, James becomes eligible for a two-year extension that could be worth about $97M, says Pincus, which would take him through the 2024-25 season—Bronny James' projected first year in the league. 

Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports