Lakers Say They Want Green, Disputing Claims of His Agent

The Lakers are attempting to remain competitive for the upcoming season, and want forward A.C. Green to be part of it, a club spokesman said Friday.

Green’s agent, Marc Fleisher, told The Times on Thursday that he did not think the Lakers were aggressive in pursuing Green, an unrestricted free agent.

“We definitely want A.C. back,” said John Black, public relations director. “Obviously, the guy means a lot to the organization. Everybody loves him.”

General Manager Jerry West, vacationing in West Virginia, could not be reached.

Green, a 6-foot-9 forward, was the Lakers’ first-round draft pick in 1985 from Oregon State. Fleisher said Green, 29, wants to play for a competitive team next season.

Fleisher said it was his impression that the Lakers were looking to the future instead of concerning themselves with winning in 1993-94.

Black disagreed.

“Obviously, we know we are not a championship-caliber team right now,” he said. “But everyone is working as hard as they can to get back to that level of play.”

Black said the Lakers have made Green a generous offer, but he would not say how generous.

“We don’t feel anybody will pay him more than our offer,” Black said. “We have made A.C. an incredible offer.”