Agent Says Forward Green Might Not Return to Lakers

Popular forward A.C. Green might not return to the Lakers this season, his agent said Thursday.

“I’m not very optimistic that he is going to end up there,” said Marc Fleisher, a New York-based sports agent.

Green, a 6-foot-9 unrestricted free agent, was the Lakers’ first-round draft pick in 1985 from Oregon State. He is negotiating with other teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, and, Fleisher confirmed Thursday, the Portland Trail Blazers.

“Everyone else out there is very aggressive going after A.C. and the Lakers aren’t,” he said.

Fleisher said he got the impression from General Manager Jerry West that the Lakers expect to have a mediocre season. The two talked by telephone last week.

“(The Lakers) don’t think they will be that competitive this year,” Fleisher said. “Maybe they’re headed toward (the) lottery.

“And that’s quite troubling to A.C.”

Green, who will be 30 in October, said he wants to be play on a competitive team.

“I’m just getting the impression the Lakers are holding back for some reason,” Fleisher said.