Lakers-Pistons trade could potentially be ruined due to LAWSUIT against LeBron James’ agents Klutch Sports
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Rich Paul and LeBron James on the sideline (via NYPost)
Recently, rumours have been floating around that the Los Angeles Lakers have discussed trading for Detroit Pistons’ Bojan Bogdanovic at or before the trade deadline. However, one rather strange implication of previous differences between two side characters in this trade might lead to all of it falling apart. The aforementioned ‘side’ characters are Nerlens Noel, who would be included by the Pistons in such a trade; and Klutch Sports, the agency that represents both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The lawsuit has been settled. The outcome was “Noel paying full commissions owed to Klutch Sports on the $5 million Knicks deal in 2020, and Noel withdrawing all legal proceedings” as per Shams Charania of The Athletic. It’s not the lawsuit as much that is the threat but the implications and fallout from it. With Klutch Sports playing such a big role in the Los Angeles franchise, it can make things awkward between Noel and James & AD.
Noel might be reluctant to actually go to the Lakers to team up with so many of Rich Paul’s clients, including his two most prominent ones. The catch is, if the Bojan trade is to work, Noel’s is the only salary figure coming back to LA along with Bogdanovic that would make the trade adhere to the NBA’s trade rules. And so, Noel being on board is essential because otherwise he would just be a waste of a roster spot. The Lakers can’t afford to waste roster spots in their situation and therefore, might decide against trading for Bojan altogether.
Klutch Sports’ official Instagram account also posted a rather inflammatory story about Noel, trolling him for being a reserve player after winning the lawsuit.
Related: REPORT: Lakers discussed a deal with Pistons including Bojan Bogdanović and Nerlens Noel
Bogdanovic is the perfect fit on the Lakers
LeBron James currently has to carry the offense for the Lakers and create shots for himself and everybody else due to the lack of shot creators other than Russell Westbrook. Morover, the Los Angeles Lakers are shooting a lowly 33.8% from three this season. That mark is the 4th-worst in the league, with only the Hornets, Rockets and Rockets being worse 3-point shooting teams than the Lakers.
Enter Bojan Bogdanovic. The former Utah Jazz forward has averaged 21.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 44 games this season. The points average is a career high mark for him. The more important part is that he’s doing it at a near 50/40/90 efficiency (49% FG, 42% 3P and 89% FT). With those numbers at that efficiency, along with the self-creation ability, Bogie would fit this Lakers team like a glove.
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Ritik Malik
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