LeBron James distances himself from his agent with latest comments

LeBron James moved quickly this week to quell a bubbling controversy after remarks from his agent set the debate paper alight about the future of teammate Austin Reaves.

The situation began when Rich Paul, James’s long-time agent and head of Klutch Sports, offered an unsolicited opinion on his new podcast about potential roster changes for the Lakers.

On the episode, Paul floated a scenario in which Los Angeles might trade fan favourite guard Austin Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr.

“Memphis would definitely pay Austin... he would become their leading scorer”

Paul argued that such a move could help the Lakers better balance their roster and create the kind of supporting cast needed around Luka Dončić. Paul acknowledged Reaves’s popularity and value but suggested that trading him could open up flexibility for the franchise: “If you’re building around Luka [Doncic] going forward, which they are, you need that anchor,” the agent said. “And Jaren doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild.”

“This comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved, which he should be, he’s an underdog,” Paul explained. “There’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team, and do what’s best for Austin. Because Austin deserves to get paid. Now, I love him as a Laker, but if that was a situation where we’re getting balance -- because if you put all the money into just the backcourt and then your flexibility is restricted going forward to fill out the rest of the team, then [building a full roster is challenging].”

“Memphis would definitely pay Austin,” he added. “He would become ... probably their point guard and leading scorer, for sure. ... But definitely their highest-paid player.”

Related stories

NBA

Giannis turns on Bucks fans as future rumors heat up

NBA

LeBron’s umpteenth symphony saves Lakers from own crisis

Speaking to reporters after the Lakers’ convincing 141-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, James was clear about separating his opinions from Paul’s: “I think you all know by now, Rich is his own man and what Rich says is not a direct reflection of me and how I feel,” James told reporters. “And I hope people know that. I hope people know that and if they’re not sensible to know that, then I don’t know what to tell them.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.