Rich Paul Gives Fitting Reply To Michael Jordan’s Ex-Agent David Falk Over LeBron James Accusations

LeBron James' agent Rich Paul has been making the headlines lately for his recent remarks regarding his client and NBA legend, Michael Jordan.

Rich Paul Gives Fitting Reply To Michael Jordan’s Ex-Agent David Falk Over LeBron James Accusations

Michael Jordan, Rich Paul and LeBron James (Image by FirstSportz)

Most people agree that LeBron James is among the top 3 basketball players of all time. There are a lot of stories and opinions that go along with that position. One coming from the legendary NBA player, Michael Jordan‘s former agent, David Falk. He claimed that ‘if Jordan had cherry-picked what teams he wanted to be on and two other superstars, he would’ve won 15 championships.’

Rich Paul, James’ friend and agent, was driven by that remark. Paul retaliated over Falk’s usage of the word “cherry-picking” during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. He also spoke on different narratives surrounding James and his career. Paul went hard at James’ haters and naysayers on the show.

David Falk said something the other day about LeBron cherry-picking…that’s interesting to use the term cherry-picking. The careers of LeBron and Michael Jordan, it’s not apples and apples for a number of reasons but the cherry-picking terminology of it all from someone who had John Thompson, Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski supporting his business, putting superstar athletes in his lap, I think he was part of the cherry clan.
Rich Paul said, replying to Falk’s comments

Notably, Paul has a point here. James never played with another superstar before leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. He had to lead those Cavaliers teams deep into the playoffs with rosters that weren’t well-assembled.

Interestingly, Paul did not stop there. He also addressed one of the biggest narratives about James. Something that, James personally selects the super-teams on which he plays and controls the inner workings of every choice his teams make, including coaching appointments and transactions. He added:

That’s false, and I can say that because I’m there. When you think about that narrative, people don’t think about the impact that has off the court. It hurts friendships — guys that play on teams — because they feel like, ‘Hey, I may have been traded, and it’s because you wanted me out of here.’ And I know that not to be true.

This is a unique glimpse from someone close to LeBron James. Although Paul has known James since before he joined the league, he has been his representative since 2012. He is someone who has seen the rise of one of the best basketball players of this generation. He further clarified that, despite being a star, the Lakers legend is not the puppet master that many people believe him to be.

LeBron James makes NBA history in recent MVP announcement

The NBA announced that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has won this year’s MVP award before the start of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday. However, this also saw Lakers legend LeBron James make some NBA MVP history with this announcement.

James received 13 votes for fifth place and one vote for fourth place, placing him sixth in the MVP voting. James was able to claim two records thanks to those votes. First: James “replaced Michael Jordan as the oldest player in NBA history to receive MVP votes,” according to HoopsHype. “He’s now both the youngest (at age 19) and oldest player (at age 40) to ever receive MVP votes.”

Second, James now holds the NBA record for straight MVP votes. According to Tim Reynolds of the AP, this was his twentieth. NBA greats, Tim Duncan is ranked third (16), followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (17 seasons).

Rich Paul shared take on his client, LeBron James’ uncertain future

LeBron James must make a significant choice this offseason. Is the 40-year-old ready to give up his sneakers for good, or should he wait another year? James still hasn’t responded to the questions surrounding his future. However, his agent and close friend, Rich Paul, shared his views on James’ uncertain future.

Normally, our process is you kinda weight everything and see how he's feeling and all those type of things. Same process it's been for the last I don't know how many years. He'll come around to what he's thinking at some point and we'll kinda go over some things and go from there.
Rich Paul said

James will also need to determine whether he wants to remain with the Lakers if he does decide to return. James’ 2025–2026 NBA season player option is worth $52 million. He will stay with the Lakers if he accepts that offer, or would turn into a free agent if he chooses to opt out.

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