The most challenging offseason of Mitch Kupchak's front-office career will apparently not include entertaining offers to work outside Los Angeles.

More than one NBA team has sought permission to interview the Lakers' general manager. But owner Jerry Buss has declined to grant that permission, a fact the team acknowledged Friday afternoon after repeated media inquiries.

"Mitch has done an excellent job for the Lakers since taking over for Jerry West as general manager three years ago and is an important part of our organization," Lakers spokesman John Black said. "Because of this, we feel it is in the best interests of our team, our franchise and our fans that he remain a Laker, and for this reason we have turned down these requests for permission to speak to him."

Lakers officials declined to name which teams inquired about Kupchak, but his name has been frequently linked to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards also have front-office vacancies, and a handful of other teams -- including Golden State -- are believed to be looking for front-office help.