‘Corny’ LeBron James haters jealous of Lakers superstar’s wealth and love from Jay-Z, claims agent

Rich Paul claims that upon LeBron's entry into the league, other players were envious of the exclusive spotlight he received.

‘Corny’ LeBron James haters jealous of Lakers superstar’s wealth and love from Jay-Z, claims agent

LeBron and JayZ (via CBS Sports)

When Victor Wembanyama was a baby in his cradle, LeBron James was the most anticipated prospect entering the league. He belonged to the new generation of players joining the league directly from high school. Despite doubts about his abilities, Jay-Z, known as HOV, consistently supported young James and believed in the 18-year-old’s superstar potential.

During a recent episode of ‘Club Shay Shay’ with Shannon Sharpe, Rich Paul, LeBron’s longtime friend and agent, discussed how other players in their prime didn’t appreciate the attention a high schooler like LeBron was receiving. They were displeased with LeBron’s numerous endorsements and the considerable support he received from Jay-Z. Paul shared details about Jay-Z sending his private jet for LeBron and himself, enabling them to travel to New York every weekend.

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Paul mentioned:

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It's corny, when LeBron came in, a lot of guys were still in their prime, and all the attention turned to him in 2000. Since all the attention, boom, $100 million contract… They never seen nothing like that. You know Jay-Z, sending the private jet. When he sending high school, we going up to New York every weekend.

LeBron James shocked everyone in his rookie year

Coming into the league, LeBron was probably the biggest prospect the league had ever seen. He was seen as a combination of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and John Stockton. He signed a shoe deal with Nike worth $90 million before even stepping foot on the court. LeBron had a lot of doubters but he silenced them all in his debut where he scored 25 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. 

LeBron James shocked everyone in his rookie year
LeBron James (via ESPN)

He went on to have a spectacular rookie season averaging 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game to clinch the rookie of the year award. He became the only player other than Oscar Robertson and MJ to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in his rookie season. Right now, LeBron is the league’s leading scorer and arguably the best ever. So, it’s not a long shot to say that he silenced all of his doubters.

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