The Los Angeles Lakers and Rich Paul have a close relationship, even if recent events have made it a tempestuous one.
That's why when Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort recently signed with Paul's agency, Klutch Sports Group, the Lakers front office probably perked up.
Lakers suddenly have a path to acquire Lu Dort
Now that Dort is represented by Paul, the Lakers have a clear "in" when it comes to potentially acquiring the 3-and-D specialist.
Dort is precisely the kind of player that Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka should be looking to place alongside Luka Doncic. Dort's elite defense and spot-up shooting would fit like a glove next to The Don.
Unfortunately, Dort doesn't hit free agency this coming offseason. The Thunder can exercise an $18.2 million team option for Lu in 2026-27.
Of course, that's not a barrier to the Lakers potentially trading for Dort this summer, with the help of Paul. When push comes to shove, Paul is a master at getting his clients where they want to go, or where the franchise in Paul's ear wants them to go.
The Lakers need a 3-and-D wing badly, and Dort represents a clear opportunity for Paul to repair his relationship with LA. Dort might welcome the move, too, seeing as he'd be a more crucial piece on the Lakers than he is on the talent-flooded Thunder.
Oklahoma City just savvily acquired shooting guard Jared McCain at the deadline. Was this Thunder GM Sam Presti preparing for Dort's inevitable departure?
Dort extension coming this summer
The timing of Dort's signing with Klutch wasn't an accident. Lu is expected to enter into negotiations with the Thunder for a contract extension this summer, and by signing with Paul, he's aiming to maximize his earnings on the new deal.
This is where things could get interesting for Presti, who has plenty of long-term money tied up in his top-three stars, as well as role players like Alex Caruso.
Simply put, the Thunder are at risk of being outbid for Dort's services during extension discussions.
The Lakers, meanwhile, don't exactly want to fill all of their imminent cap space with a Dort extension, but that's where Paul might come into play to make it all work.
Maybe the price ultimately won't match up, and Dort will get a huge bag somewhere else. But keep an eye on Dort. Other free agent wings to watch for the Lakers this summer include Norman Powell, Anfernee Simons, Kevin Huerter, Peyton Watson, Bennedict Mathurin, Tari Eason, and ... Luke Kennard!