LeBron James clarified his stance on trade discussions involving teammate Austin Reaves after the Los Angeles Lakers’ decisive 141-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on March 5, 2024. Following comments made by his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, James emphasized that Paul’s opinions do not necessarily reflect his own feelings about Reaves.
“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 stated to ESPN as he exited the Crypto.com Arena. He expressed hope that fans understand the distinction between his views and those of his agent, adding, “If they’re not sensible to know that, then I don’t know what to tell them.”
Paul, in a recent episode of the podcast “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul,” suggested that the Lakers should consider trading Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for two-time All-Star center Jaren Jackson Jr.. He framed this as a strategic move for the Lakers, stating, “If you’re building around Luka [Doncic] going forward, you need that anchor.”
The proposed trade would involve expiring contracts and either the Lakers’ 2031 or 2032 first-round draft pick to secure Jackson and Memphis forward GG Jackson as a developmental project. Paul acknowledged the emotional challenge of such a decision, especially given Reaves’ popularity among fans. “Austin deserves to get paid,” he noted, emphasizing the need for the Lakers to find balance within their roster.
In the wake of Paul’s comments, James reiterated his strong relationship with Reaves, who is his longest-tenured teammate on the Lakers. “AR knows how I feel about him,” James said, referencing their daily interactions. He clarified that there was no fallout from the podcast episode, stating, “Rich has his perspective of what he sees, I have my perspective.”
The conversation around Reaves intensified after Paul publicly floated the trade scenario. Following the Lakers’ game against the Hawks, Reaves’ agent, Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, discussed the situation with Paul for over five minutes.
James also addressed the implications of Paul’s podcast ventures. He noted that he did not consult with Paul regarding the podcast’s topics before its launch last month. “Rich, that’s what he’s doing. That’s his whole thing,” James remarked, underscoring the separation between their professional roles.
This isn’t the first time Paul’s remarks have stirred controversy this season. In December, he declared that the Lakers were “not championship contenders” after a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. James responded, stating, “I can’t think about what we can do in the playoffs in December. Talking about what type of damage we can do in the postseason in December, that’s not right for the Basketball Gods.”
Paul’s opinions on the podcast have often sparked debate, with some interpreting them as a means to apply pressure on the Lakers’ front office. His perspective has also led to interesting discussions about player dynamics within the league. For example, he suggested the Milwaukee Bucks should demand Jalen Johnson in any trade discussions regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, even though he acknowledged Johnson might not want that outcome.
On a personal note, James had a standout performance in the game against the Hawks, scoring 31 points on 12-for-20 shooting, along with 10 assists and nine rebounds. This was his first back-to-back game of the season after recovering from a lower back issue. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James for his dedication, stating, “I don’t take for granted the LeBron stuff.”
As the season progresses, the Lakers continue to navigate the complexities of roster decisions and player contracts while maintaining team chemistry. James concluded his remarks by defending Paul’s right to express his views, affirming, “It’s his prerogative.”
