- LeBron James says Rich Paul’s podcast comments about trading Austin Reaves don’t reflect his views.
- Rich Paul suggested trading Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. on “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul.”
- James delivered a near triple-double in the Lakers’ 141-116 win and defended Paul’s right to speak freely.
LeBron separates himself from Rich Paul’s podcast remarks
LOS ANGELES — After the Lakers’ 141-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James made clear that his agent Rich Paul speaks for himself, not for James. “Rich is his own man and what Rich says is not a direct reflection of me and how I feel,” James told reporters at Crypto.com Arena. “I hope people know that.”
What Rich Paul proposed on his podcast
On a recent episode of “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul,” Paul floated a trade scenario that would send fan favorite Austin Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies, reportedly in a package to acquire two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. Paul suggested the Lakers could include expiring contracts and a future first-round pick (2031 or 2032) while making Reaves the centerpiece of the deal.
Paul also raised the question of whether L.A. would offer Reaves the five-year, $241 million maximum extension this summer, making the proposed trade and potential contract decision central to the discussion.
LeBron’s response and postgame performance
LeBron did not embrace Paul’s views. Instead he emphasized separation between his own opinions and those expressed by his agent. James also defended Paul’s right to publicly discuss roster strategy: “It’s his prerogative,” he said.
On the court, James had one of his strongest evenings of the season. He finished with 31 points on 12-for-20 shooting, 10 assists and nine rebounds — just one rebound shy of a triple-double. The performance came on the second night of a back-to-back and after LeBron missed the first month of the season while managing sciatica.
Coach JJ Redick defends LeBron
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised LeBron’s work ethic and emotional investment. “It’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares,” Redick said. “Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It’s off the charts.”
What this means for Austin Reaves and the Lakers
Reaves has become a fan favorite and a key role player for Los Angeles. Paul’s scenario — trading Reaves for Jackson and a developmental piece like GG Jackson — would be a major shift in roster construction and could affect the Lakers’ decisions at the trade deadline and this summer’s extension talks.
For now, the club and its star remain focused on the court. LeBron has publicly distanced himself from his agent’s remarks, while acknowledging Paul’s freedom to voice strategic opinions. The talk is likely to continue as trade deadline discussions intensify and as the Lakers weigh long-term roster moves.
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