LG objects to KBL over Kim’s move to Samsung

By Cho Mu-hyun

The LG Sakers have filed a formal complaint with the Korean Basketball League (KBL) over Kim Seung-hyun’s move to the Samsung Thunders.

LG has stated they had talks with the Goyang Orions before the Thunders started negotiations, coming to an agreement on a speculated 500 million won deal and had prior rights over the guard.

KBL’s executive director of basketball operations An Jun-ho confirmed the grievance had been aired Monday, saying, “We will decide which direction to take after a thorough review of LG’s complaint.”

The Orions canceled the deal with LG just before completion.

Goyang, Kim’s former team, announced Friday that they traded the 33-year-old guard for Samsung forward Kim Dong-wook.

“We have requested the KBL clarify if there are any grounds for dispute on the trade,” said an LG associate.

“We also want an official decision whether Kim Seung-hyun’s move to Samsung is sound.”

The current KBL regulations allow two weeks for a complaint after a player’s registration with a team.

Kim Seung-hyun appeared on the bench in a Samsung uniform during the Sunday game between the Thunders and the Orions at the Goyang Gym.

The former All-star guard was banned from the game for 20 months by the KBL for a legal dispute over his salary with the Orions.

Kim started his career with the Orions, making his debut in 2001 and went on to become the first KBL player to win the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) that year.

He was part of the national team for the 2002 Asian Games, playing a strong role in the team attaining the gold medal.

He is expected to take the place of Samsung guard Lee Jung-seok, who is out for the season with a knee injury.

The Thunders have made it to the playoffs nine consecutive times but are faring poorly this season with four wins and sixteen losses, sitting ninth out of the 10 KBL teams.