LeBron James’ Agent’s Podcast Has Left Lakers Unhappy, Reveals Insider

LeBron James' agent and close friend, Rich Paul, started a podcast with Max Kellerman, where they discuss all matters related to basketball.

LeBron James’ Agent’s Podcast Has Left Lakers Unhappy, Reveals Insider

Rich Paul and his best client, LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

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As the Los Angeles Lakers’ season unravels, many of their roster problems are coming to the fore, even though LeBron James and Luka Doncic are doing their part to try to win games. Their New Year-opening three-game winning streak gave fans and analysts insight into how the top two players are performing without Austin Reaves in the lineup.

After the latter was injured, some had concerns over whether the 41-year-old would be able to handle the additional load. But he has performed well so far, leaving even his critics to praise him for his work on the floor.

They did lose two straight games, one when James did not play, and the other as he could not complete the job with Doncic out with foul trouble. That, however, did not stop Rich Paul from stating that the Lakers should look at trading away Austin Reaves.

I can confirm that people have not been happy.

Jovan Buha said on his podcast

The Lakers’ beat writer has heard from several quarters that the Klutch Sports CEO’s claim that the team was not a championship contender was the first instance where they did not appreciate his words.

They felt that the team knows deep down that they are not there yet, but for someone to publicly say that is different, as it can have massive ramifications on their image.

The second, and most significant one, was when LeBron James‘ close friend and agent openly talked about a potential trade option for Reaves. That may have led to some unwanted discussions within the locker room.

Austin Reaves’ trade rumors could impact LeBron James and Lakers’ chemistry

If one were to give Rich Paul the benefit of the doubt when he chalked up a trade scenario for Austin Reaves, they could see that he had an interesting proposal. But that was focused on helping the Lakers win now, with LeBron James.

Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic and LeBron James
Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic and LeBron James (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

Since the franchise has already moved on from the veteran superstar, it is unlikely to field calls for arguably their second-best player, who happens to have a much better ‘friendlier’ relationship with their No. 1 player, Luka Doncic.

On top of that, Reaves has proved he can lead this team to wins, which is extremely valuable to a Lakers team that does not have that many talented players at its disposal.

Since they cannot rely on a 41-year-old LeBron James to lead the team to wins on a nightly basis, it is possible that Rich Paul’s hypotheticals could end up causing a bit of a stir in the locker room. The only way these claims can stop hampering the locker room is if Austin Reaves has a heart-to-heart with his mentor and oldest teammate.

Former teammates claim LeBron James does not get a fair whistle

During their last two losses, fans noticed that LeBron James was pleading quite a bit more than usual about missed foul calls. While discussing this on the Road Trippin’ Show, host Allie Clifton asked her co-panelists about this.

When I played against him, yes. When I played with him, oh, hell no. They’re missing three to five a game.

Richard Jefferson replied

Channing Frye, who also played alongside Richard Jefferson on the 2016 championship-winning Cleveland Cavaliers team, agreed and detailed how James’ physicality does not allow him to bait the way some other agile players can.

Then, both revealed that LeBron James is a terrible flopper. But is forced to do so, as in almost every game, he gets beaten up so much that he tries to sell a foul to bring it to the official’s notice.

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