GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Should LeBron James decide to accept a two-year, $99 million contract this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are anticipated to make a trade for an All-Star-caliber player to complement Anthony Davis.

James’s former colleague Kyrie Irving, who is currently with the Dallas Mavericks, and Cavaliers standout Donovan Mitchell are also on their list of targets. Both remain in the postseason.

Trae Young, a third possible target, is at home with his Atlanta Hawks. But Young’s most recent move might make it more difficult to pursue a trade this offseason. Young declared that the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) is now representing him.

On May 7, the three-time All-Star Young wrote on X, “When I say it, I really mean it.” “One More Day, One More Chance.”

How this will affect the Hawks’ trade plans is still unknown. Young lives in Los Angeles. He has, however, made it clear that he wants to remain with the Hawks in Atlanta. Additionally, he expressed his desire to win as soon as possible, and the front office is now responsible for making that happen.

This offseason, it is highly anticipated that they will look into selling him or teammate Dejounte Murray.

Prior to the deadline, the Lakers and Hawks held advanced trade discussions over Murray, and this might pave the way for them to be revived this offseason.

James trained this offseason with Jalen Johnson, a rising talent for the Hawks, and Murray. However, following a string of ankle ailments this season, Johnson stated at his season-ending news conference that he is probably going to move away from James’ signature sneaker.

Origins of the CAA-Klutch Sports Beef

The well-known opponent of Klutch Sports Group, CAA is led by renowned super-agent Rich Paul and includes Jarred Vanderbilt, James, and Davis as clients. The rival agencies have never had a friendly relationship.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Paul and former CAA partner Leon Rose—who is currently president of the New York Knicks—met and resolved their issues on February 2.

That might be noteworthy given the ambiguity surrounding James’ future.

The specific animosity between the opposing agencies began when Paul left CAA in 2012 and brought James with him. Rose had James as a client back in 2005. However, the Lakers star and Paul were business partners and friends prior to the former’s 2003 league entry.

Rich Paul says, “I didn’t learn from the previous agency that I worked with,” to Stephen A. Smith on First Take.

Before starting Klutch and bringing Rose CAA client LeBron James with him, Paul worked for Leon Rose at CAA.

Paul’s group believed that CAA was well-liked by the Knicks, as demonstrated by Rose’s 2020 hire.