Who does Jeff Schwartz represent? Russell Westbrook signs with super agent at Excel Sports

Author Photo
Russell Westbrook Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Entertainment

Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook has swapped representation, signing with Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

MORE: Best and worst NBA contracts for 2022-23 season

Westbrook parted ways with longtime agent Thad Foucher, who had represented the Lakers point guard for the entirety of his career since entering the league in 2008, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in his first year in the purple and gold, however, in a statement issued by Foucher, he advised Westbrook to remain with the Lakers rather than seek a trade to another team, indicating Westbrook's future in LA could still be up in the air. 

In signing with Schwartz, Westbrook joins one of the most high-profile agencies, alongside stars including Nikola Jokic, Khris Middleton, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. 

Jeff Schwartz's top 10 clients by 2022-23 salary

(Full list available at HoopsHype.com)

Player Team Salary
Russell Westbrook Lakers $47.0 million
Khris Middleton Bucks $37.9 million
Kemba Walker Pistons $27.4 million
Kristaps Porzingis Wizards $33.8 million
CJ McCollum Pelicans $33.3 million
Nikola Jokic Nuggets $33.0 million
Brandon Ingram Pelicans $31.6 million
Jamal Murray Nuggets $31.6 million
Kevin Love Cavaliers $28.9 million
John Collins Hawks $23.5 million

Where does Jeff Schwartz rank among top sports agents?

(Full list available at Forbes.com)

Schwartz ranks as the No. 1 basketball agent in terms of contracts and commissions, sitting fifth on the global list of sports agents, with Klutch Sports' Rich Paul the only other basketball agent making the top 10.

Agent Sport Commissions Contracts
Scott Boras Baseball $161.1 million $3.2 billion
Jonathan Barnett Soccer $142.3 million $1.4 billion
Jorge Mendes Soccer $104 million $1 billion
Mino Raiola Soccer $84.7 million $847.7 million
Jeff Schwartz Basketball $73 million $1.8 billion
Casey Close Baseball $63.6 million $1.3 billion
Joel Wolfe Baseball $52.4 million $1 billion
David Mulugheta Football $46.7 million $1.6 billion
Rich Paul Basketball $46 million $1.3 billion
Sam and Seth Levinson Baseball $45.8 million $917 million
Author(s)
Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.