West Calls Laker Offer ‘Generous,’ Disputes Claims of Green’s Agent

Laker General Manager Jerry West, disputing the contention that he hasn’t been aggressive in trying to re-sign free agent forward A.C. Green, said Monday the club stands by its second offer to Green. That offer is believed to be worth $3.6 million per season. Green earned $1.75 million last season, when he averaged 12.1 points and 8.7 rebounds.

Green’s agent, Marc Fleisher, has said the Lakers are lagging behind Phoenix and Portland in their pursuit of Green. But West, back from vacation, said the Lakers have made the seriousness of their interest clear in their two contract proposals.

“We think we’ve made him a very generous offer,” West said. “It’s up to him and his agent to decide what they want to do. We really value him a lot. . . . No one else can pay him what we’re offering.”

Although other clubs might have to clear room under their salary cap, the Lakers can re-sign their own free agent without affecting salary-cap restrictions.

West also said he expects word today on whether unrestricted free agent Sedale Threatt has agreed to a new contract.