In a single crystal of La0.85Sr0.15MnO3 we studied the magnetic diffuse scattering in large areas of reciprocal space using the Flat-cone diffractometer E2 at BENSC in Berlin. At several temperatures the complete (hk0) plane has been recorded. In the paramagnetic phase, above T-c = 235 K, the diffuse scattering is concentrated around the "cubic" nuclear Bragg reflections and has been followed up to 320 K. We compare the intensity distribution with a modified molecular held theory using one parameter for the ferromagnetic double-exchange interaction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All nights reserved.