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Rich Paul

Why the Lakers Would Be Foolish to End Close Alliance with Klutch Sports

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The smartest move Rob Pelinka made as VP of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Los Angeles Lakers was to forge an alliance with Rich Paul and the Klutch Sports Group, who represent James and Davis.

With LeBron James’ seemingly never-ending career approaching its end, the biggest mistake Pelinka and the Lakers could make would be to assume the Klutch alliance was no longer important and end the partnership. Ending a unique advantageous relationship that brought the Lakers two superstars and their 17th NBA championship would be a foolhardy move considering Klutch Sports is on the way to being the #1 agency in the NBA.

Right now, whether the Lakers should end their alliance with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports since LeBron James is nearing retirement has become the most controversial NSFW NBA topic dominating sports blogs and bars. Many supporters of ending the partnership blame LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the unnecessary season-killing trade for Russell Westbrook and are worried about LeBron bolting the Lakers like the Cavs.

What those critics are ignoring is the Klutch relationship is about a lot more than just LeBron James. Rich Paul is also the agent for Anthony Davis and taking a dramatic step like trading LeBron could end up alienating AD. Right now, Klutch has 31 NBA players under contract for total salaries of $389,208,200, including 5 All-Stars and two players with max contracts. Jeff Schwartz is only agent with more players, total salaries, or All-Stars.

Klutch Sports just signed Zach LaVine to join their stable of NBA stars that includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons, Draymond Green, Lonzo Ball, Trae Young, Miles Bridges, Malik Beasley, and Darius Garland. Having potential access to Klutch Sports valuable portfolio of players is an advantage the Lakers should treasure and carefully manage. It’s an edge no other NBA team has and could directly contribute to future championships.

One of the advantages for the Lakers of having an alliance with Klutch Sports is the insight it gives Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office and scouting department when it comes to player evaluation, a Klutch strength. Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group have become champions of NBA player empowerment and movement and that is not like to stop in the future. At some point, Klutch is going to make another move to help the Lakers.

It could even happen this summer with Zach LaVine, an unrestricted free agent, whom Klutch Sports could have demand a sign-and-trade to the Los Angeles Lakers or he will sign elsewhere and the Bulls will get nothing. Rich is not afraid to be a trend setting in getting his clients the best deals with the best teams. Pairing LaVine with James and Davis would certainly enhance the brand of the Lakers as well as the three Kutch Sports Group superstars.

The relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Klutch Sports Group has been a point of contention with other NBA teams and agents, who say the relationship gives the Lakers an unfair competitive advantage. The league so far has not been able to find a legal basis for preventing the Lakers and Klutch collaboration. Nor has any other NBA team been able to forge a similar relationship with any of Klutch Sports competitors.

The smartest move Pelinka can make this summer is make sure to embrace and reinforce the Los Angeles Lakers’ close alliance with the Klutch Sports Group to help the purple and gold win more NBA championships.

Could Klutch Sports Pull Off a Zach LaVine for Russell Westbrook S&T?

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Let’s play connect the dots. Bull’s superstar Zach LaVine will be a free agent this summer. LaVine’s agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports represents LeBron James and Anthony Davis and has an alliance with the Lakers front office.

Could Zach LaVine become this year’s version of Klutch Sports forcing a trade of another superstar player to the Los Angeles Lakers? What’s to stop Paul from demanding the Bulls sign-and-trade LaVine to Lakers for Russ? While it’s a long shot, would the Lakers double down on trying to create a Superstar Big Three with James, Davis, and LaVine in the immediate aftermath of the James, Davis, and Westbrook Big Three cratering badly?

Knowing the Lakers penchant for stars, Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul would likely salivate at the idea of Zack LaVine joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis to create a Superstar Big Three and expand Klutch/Lakers alliance. With LeBron turning 38 next season, the Lakers pursuit of a third superstar like Zach LaVine could also be viewed as a savvy preemptive step towards finding a needed superstar replacement for James before he retires.

The question is how can the Lakers and Klutch leverage LaVine’s unrestricted free agency status to force the Bulls to trade Zach to the Lakers? Unlike with AD, there’s no way the Lakers can sign him outright. What the Lakers and Klutch can do is ask the Bulls to sign-and-trade Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Russell Westbrook with their 2027 and 2029 unprotected first round picks as carrots.

The stick would be the threat of LaVine signing as an unrestricted free agent with a third team putting the Bulls in the position of losing their superstar shooting guard to free agency with receiving nothing in return. While there will be several teams with cap space to sign LaVine as a free agent, all Zach has to do to give Los Angeles the leverage it needs to close the deal is to say he will only agree to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers.

That would put the Bulls in the position where they either lose LaVine for nothing or get Westbrook’s valuable expiring contract and two unprotected Post-LeBron James Lakers’ first round picks that could be highly valuable. Alternatively, the Bulls may decide the open cap space now is better than Westbrook and the two picks and pass or negotiate with the Lakers for a sweetener or two, maybe expanding the trade to other teams and players.

The Lakers would be hard capped at $155.2 million in salaries for the year due to receiving LaVine in a sign-and-trade. Swapping Russ’ $47 million for Zach’s $38 million would leave L.A.’s payroll at $141.7 million for 8 players. That would leave them $13.5 million to fill out the roster to at least 14 players. Because they’re hard capped, they would also be able to use the full MLE for $10.2 million and the BAE for $4.0 million up to the hard cap.

The Lakers would then move Horton-Tucker’s $10 million and Kendrick Nunn’s $5 million salaries for a player making around $10 million per year, which would free up cap space so they could use their full MLE and BAE. Being able to add a second new rotation player via a THT trade and third and fourth new rotation players via the $10.2 million MLE and $4.0 million BAE would enable the Lakers to build a better roster around this Big Three.

After the bad press on the Lakers and Klutch after orchestrating the Anthony Davis trade, it’s probably a long shot that Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul would try to force another superstar to be traded to the Lakers. However, there’s probably no other NBA superstar who is better positioned right now than Zach LaVine to pull off a blockbuster strategic move like forcing the Bulls to trade him to the Lakers for Russell Westbrook and picks.

The Lakers and Klutch Sports can double down on their alliance by choreographing a trade with the Chicago Bulls with L.A. getting LaVine and Chicago getting Westbrook and two unprotected first round draft picks.

What LeBron, Rich, Jeanie, and Rob Can Do to Fix Lakers This Summer!

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The reality is this season is toast and the Lakers brain trust of LeBron James, Rich Paul, Jeanie Buss, and Rob Pelinka that’s responsible for getting us into this dismal situation will be the same group charged with finding a solution.

There’s no question there’s enough blame to share with players, coaches, and front office for the situation the Lakers find themselves in even before trying to factor in the wave of injuries that have derailed the Lakers’ season. LeBron’s to blame for pushing the Westbrook trade; Rich Paul for vetoing trading THT for Lowry; Jeanie Buss for not paying the luxury taxes to keep Caruso; Rob Pelinka for being unwilling to take back long contracts.

As we wait for the season’s final gasps, let’s focus on what LeBron James, Rich Paul, Jeanie Buss, and Rob Pelinka can each do to fix the Lakers’ issues. Here is what each of them can specifically do this summer to fix the Lakers:

1. LeBron James Can Sign His Contract Extension

The Lakers top priority this summer is to lock up LeBron for two more years. While he won’t be eligible to sign an extension until August 4th, James needs to verbally commit to the Lakers when the season ends.

The roster moves the Lakers should make this summer if LeBron agrees to sign an extension could be dramatically different than if James declines to sign an extension and threatens to become a free agent the next season. Ironically, the Lakers could decide to trade James this summer were he unwilling to sign an extension so there’s no way Rob Pelinka can wait until August 4th or later to find out if LeBron was going to commit to the Lakers.

The single most important thing LeBron James can do to help fix the Lakers this summer is to commit early to signing a new 2-year extension to remain with the Lakers when he becomes eligible to do so on August 4th.

2. Rich Paul Can Help Lakers Rebuild Their Roster

Rich Paul and Klutch Sports need to work hard this offseason to heal any breaches in their alliance with the Lakers and help Rob Pelinka rebuild the roster with players who better complement Klutch clients LeBron and AD.

Rich can do that in several ways. First, the Lakers are going to be needing a point guard to replace Russell Westbrook. Klutch should work with Houston to get a buyout for John Wall so he could sign for the minimum with L.A. Second, the Lakers two biggest trading chips besides Russell Westbrook are Klutch clients Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn. Paul should have a good idea of which teams showed interest in THT and Nunn in the past.

The Lakers need to move guards THT and Nunn for bigger forwards and/or a center so their small ball lineups would work offensively and defensively. Rich Paul needs to help the Lakers find the right trading partners.

3. Jeanie Buss Can Loosen the Lakers’ Purse Strings

There’s been criticism of Jeanie Buss and Lakers’ ownership for not being willing to spend whatever it takes to win championships, especially when it comes to taking on long-term contracts or paying mega luxury taxes.

While Dr. Buss never incurred huge luxury taxes, he always understood that you have to spend money to make money in the entertainment business. Jeanie needs to understand the rules for winning have changed. Unlike during Jerry Buss’ tenure, NBA teams today are willing to incur $100 to 200 million in luxury taxes to win a championship, figures that no teams were ever willing to pay during Dr. Buss’ tenure as the Lakers owner.

Jeanie Buss needs to step up to the plate and guarantee LeBron James that she will be willing to accept reasonable long term contracts and mega luxury taxes needed to build a championship caliber roster in today’s NBA.

4. Rob Pelinka Can Make the Right Moves This Summer

As the head of basketball operations for the Lakers, Pelinka will get an opportunity this summer to reverse the Russell Westbrook trade and build a true championship caliber roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The challenge facing Pelinka will be less daunting than at the recent trade deadline where he opted to do nothing. This summer, Rob will not only have Russ’ $47 million expiring contract but also two first round draft picks. Lakers need to trade Russ’ expiring contract for multiple players who would upgrade the roster or could be flipped for other players. They’re better off waiving and stretching Russ than giving up draft picks to move him.

In the end, Rob Pelinka needs to turn Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, Nunn, Johnson, and our 2027 and 2029 first round picks into three championship quality new starters to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Five Questions Whose Answers Could Change the Los Angeles Lakers’ Future

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Less than a year and a half after winning their 17th NBA championship, the Lakers are finally entering what amounts to the end-game of the LeBron James era as the King only has one year remaining on his contract.

As their championship hopes fade to reality, the Lakers appear to be destined at best to be a play-in team this season, making it two straight years of poor roster construction and extensive injuries to their superstars. But the challenges facing the Lakers this offseason are going to determine whether the franchise can regain its footing as a legitimate championship contender or whether they will be forced into some form of a rebuild.

Heading into the final third of this disappointing season, here are the five major franchise-defining questions the Los Angeles Lakers must answer as the team enters into the end-game of the LeBron James era.

1. Can LeBron James Still Carry the Los Angeles Lakers to Title?

When you look at the stats for the Lakers this season, what jumps out other than the disappointing 27–33 record is LeBron James’ negative net rating for the season. The Lakers are actually losing the minutes LeBron James plays.

LeBron James’ 109.7 offensive rating less his 111.4 defensive rating give him a -1.7 net rating for this season, which is the first time in 18 seasons he’s had a negative net rating since a -2.0 net rating in his 2003–04 rookie season. Winning the LeBron minutes has never been the Lakers problem until this year. Last year, LeBron’s net rating was +9.2 and the year before +8.5. The Last five games, LeBron’s net rating has been a -10.2, 12th on the Lakers.

Other than the heroic fourth quarter in the Utah Jazz win, LeBron James has struggled by his standard over the last five games, posting 28.4/9.4/5.4 but shooting just 48.7/32.4/80.0% and averaging a Westbrookish 5.2 turnovers. Assuming Davis is out for next 12 to 18 games, the Lakers need to be careful not to overwork LeBron and risk him suffering a major injury like happened to Kobe Bryant. Truth is LeBron James needs to rest the knee now.

The Lakers should seriously consider shutting down LeBron for a week or two rather than risking him getting injured. The remote chance the Lakers could win #18 this season is not worth risking the health of LeBron James.

2. Should the Lakers Continue the Close Alliance with Klutch Sports?

Fortunately, I believe any question about the future of the relationship between the Lakers and Klutch Sports has been already been addressed by LeBron James and Rich Paul meeting with Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss.

The next step would be confirmation from Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss that the Lakers/Klutch alliance was in good standing and they’re looking forward to making moves this summer to rebuild roster to championship level. Getting LeBron to sign an extension will require the Lakers to be willing to trade first round picks, take back players with multiple-year contracts, and pay whatever luxury taxes it takes to compete and win NBA championships.

There’s always will be some friction between LeBron James and whatever team he plays for because they often have different agendas, usually LeBron in total win-now mode and the team not wanting to sacrifice their future. Franky, it’s telling the news about LeBron and Rich meeting with Rob and Jeanie all came from Klutch Sports rather than from the Lakers. LeBron and Rich smartly understanding they can’t push the Lakers like other teams.

The close alliance with Klutch Sport has been a big advantage for the Lakers over other NBA teams. Klutch delivered a message but so did the Lakers. The Lakers/Klutch alliance should continue even after LeBron James retires.

3. Is Anthony Davis Still Right Superstar to Take Baton from LeBron?

Just 18 months ago, we were talking about AD taking the baton from LeBron as the Lakers’ best player. If a Davis injury ends a second straight Lakers season, the discussion about AD may be whether to trade him.

Now that it looks like Davis will have just 6 to 9 regular season games left after returning from injury to get ready for the playoffs, the Lakers should hope for a replay of the bubble, where AD had only 8 regular season games. While the Lakers/Klutch breakup story was hot, everyone talked about what a haul the Lakers could get trading LeBron and AD. The true value of both these players is elite. They’re generational. You don’t trade them away.

But we can’t ignore the how injuries to LeBron and AD have hurt the team. For LeBron, it’s Father Time and personal load management limiting him. Before this injury, AD was getting back to playing like the bubble AD. Part of the decision of whom the Lakers pursue to replace LeBron will depend on how well Anthony Davis plays the rest of this season and next. Injury worry could impact how the Lakers use AD but he’s still LeBron’s heir apparent.

We’re not yet at the point of figuring out how to position to draft Bronny or how exactly Giannis will replace LeBron on the Lakers but for now Anthony Davis, for at least next year, will be the Lakers’ future alpha star.

4. Should Lakers Rethink Their Total Commitment to Small Ball?

While the Lakers won their 17th championship playing small with James at the four and Davis the five, they should rethink committing entirely to small ball going forward to save wear-and-tear on LeBron and AD.

While AD may be the best small ball five and LeBron the best small ball four, having an injury prone center and overworked 37-year old power forward playing the two most physical lineup positions might not be so smart. With Davis out for four to five more weeks, the Lakers need to play Dwight Howard at the five more to avoid burning out or injuring LeBron James at the five. That’s a strategy the Lakers should adopting next season.

The problem with the Lakers playing small is the lack of a third 3&D front court player to complement James and Davis, either a small forward who can guard big wings or stretch four or five who can protect the rim. The best solution could be to go big and trade for a stretch center like Myles Turner or Christian Wood, who would allow the Lakers to play five-out small ball on offense but with the size to protect the rim on defense.

Having a modern stretch five center like Turner or Wood would make the Lakers more versatile and dangerous in the playoff and reduce the banging and physicality that could wear down LeBron or AD and lead to their injury.

5. What Should the Lakers Be Looking for in Next Head Coach?

There’s a consensus in the media that Frank Vogel will not return as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Short of a miraculous postseason finish by the Lakers, this year will probably be Vogel’s last as the Lakers’ head coach.

Firing Vogel raises the question of what should the Lakers be looking for in their next head coach. They need a coach who knows the game at a high level and whom superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis will respect. Ultimately, it would also help if the next head coach had played for or had a connection to the Lakers as that would make it easier to hire him and having played in the league is often an advantage when coaching players.

The Lakers should avoid bringing in another recycled coach like David Fizdale. Ideally, they should look to make a bold hire like the Brooklyn Nets did with Steve Nash and consider Rajon Rondo as the Lakers’ next head coach. Rondo is not only one of the smartest players who ever put on an NBA jersey but also a fiery competitor who knows the Lakers’ front office and has played with LeBron and AD and many of the players on the team.

The Lakers would need to supplement Rondo’s staff with proven former head coaches but by choosing someone with his background and potential, the Lakers could make a quick, smooth transition from Frank Vogel.

Four Possible Paths for LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers This Summer

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Two disappointing injury-plagued seasons where the front office failed to make moves to improve the team at the trade deadline have now morphed into a crisis that could result in LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.

For a team that won its 17th NBA championship just 17 month ago, how the landscape has changed is stunning. How the Lakers respond and play the rest of this season could be critical to what finally happens this summer. Maybe is just posturing as usual and LeBron is just putting the normal pressure on the Lakers to be prepared to make major moves and spend lavishly this summer to build a legitimate championship team to keep him.

Or maybe what we’re seeing is the next step in evolution of player freedom as LeBron James charts a dramatic return back to Cleveland or minimum contract signing as a free agent to play for team that drafts his son Bronny. Bronny will eligible to be drafted by an NBA team the summer of 2024 while LeBron’s contract with the Lakers ends the summer of 2023, meaning next season could be LeBron James’ final year wearing the purple and gold.

This summer was going to be huge for the Lakers before LeBron turned it into the summer that will determine the future of the franchise. Here are four possible paths for LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.

1. LeBron Signs Extension and Guarantees Lakers Two Years

LeBron signing a 1+1 extension is the best solution as it guarantees the Lakers at least 2 more years of the King while setting up a 39-year old James to join another NBA team and enjoy his dream of playing with his son.

This would certainly be the Kumbaya solution as it would signal at least a temporary peace and alignment between the Los Angeles Lakers and Klutch Sports and a recommitment to win championships with LeBron and AD. It’s also the smartest option for both sides, who know injuries have been the real culprits who derailed the Lakers/Klutch championship quest. A heathy, rested, and engaged LeBron James and Anthony Davis is unbeatable.

James agreeing to an extension to be a Laker through 2024 with option to be a free agent the summer his son Bronny is likely to be drafted by an NBA team would be the idea solution for the Lakers and Klutch this summer.

2. LeBron Refuses Extension and Lakers Gamble to Keep Him

LeBron refusing to sign an extension and threatening to leave as a free agent after next season could force the Lakers to pursue a blockbuster trade this summer to replace Russell Westbrook with a legitimate third superstar.

While the Lakers’ assets were underwhelming at the trade deadline, they should be appreciably better this summer when the Lakers will be able to offer two first round picks and Westbrook will become an expiring contract. Whether that would be enough to trade for a legit third superstar like Dame or Beal is uncertain as is the question of whether it would be smarter to swap Russ, the picks, and filler for three elite starters and a deeper bench.

LeBron may opt to keep his options after next season open and apply maximum pressure on the Lakers to make moves and spend money this summer to build a championship team or risk losing him to free agency.

3. LeBron Refuses Extension and Lakers Look to Trade Him

The Lakers’ other option should LeBron refuse to sign an extension would be to trade James this summer to avoid losing him for nothing the following summer. Trading LeBron could end up being a savvy move by the Lakers.

Even though he’s 37-years old, there’s no question LeBron James would bring back a huge package of talent and picks. Would the Cavs give up Collin Sexton, Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love, and two first rounders for LeBron? Could the Lakers choreograph a LeBron trade that netted them another top ten player and a pair of elite starters plus picks for the future. It would not have to be a rebuild. The Lakers could still remain a legitimate contender.

While trading LeBron could yield a huge haul, LeBron is irreplaceable for the Lakers, which is why Los Angeles needs to look at every possible option to convince LeBron James to stay, including drafting Bronny James.

4. Lakers Breakup with Klutch and Also Trade Anthony Davis

To the competition, the partnership between the LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers and Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports is an unholy alliance with the devil, something the league should be investigating and somehow outlawing.

The past two seasons have been plagued by injuries to both James and Davis, reminding everybody LeBron is now 37-years old and Anthony has missed more games than he’s played during the last two Lakers’ seasons. Maybe it’s buyer’s remorse for agreeing to their superstars request to trade for Russ, or the pressure last year to not trade THT for Lowry or pressure this year to trade Russ and the pick to Rockets for Klutch client John Wall?

At any rate, one very possible fallout from the collapse of the alliance between the Los Angeles Lakers and Klutch Sports could be a request from Rich Paul for the Lakers to trade both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.