Rich Paul Addresses Austin Reaves Trade After LeBron James Distances Himself from Podcast

Super agent Rich Paul had suggested that as Lakers GM, he would trade away Austin Reaves to the Grizzlies.

Rich Paul Addresses Austin Reaves Trade After LeBron James Distances Himself from Podcast

Rich Paul, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves (Image via FirstSportz)

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When Rich Paul decided to suggest that the Lakers would be better off trading Austin Reaves for a defensive-minded big man, chances were that it would come back to become a problem for LeBron James.

The super agent was trying to suggest that since Reaves would command top dollar and the Lakers needed a defensive big, it would be better if they traded for the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.

That way, the undrafted guard would end up getting the contract he deserves, whereas the Los Angeles Lakers would get the defensive production needed to compete for titles.

However, he wanted to sound as if it were a win-win scenario, but Lakers fans were not having it and slammed the Klutch Sports CEO for suggesting this. Naturally, that backlash and a supposed confrontation from Reaves’ agent led Rich Paul to address the matter.

My guy Reggie, who is Austin’s agent, we talked… we talked about it, and I’m like, look, Reggie, you’re my man. I want Austin to know this is not about Austin Reaves because I love the player, love the person… I’m not trying to mess up anything with AR… This was a hypothetical conversation.

Rich Paul said on Game Over Podcast

On that last point, the 45-year-old reiterated that this was what he would do if he were the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers. Not that he was insinuating what the franchise should do.

Then, he went on to praise Austin Reaves again, as he felt his ‘hypothetical trade’ was a compliment to the Arkansas native, as his opinion made him a trade asset over and above two future Hall of Famers in LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

LeBron James washed his hands of Rich Paul’s opinions

The Game Over Podcast’s episode where Rich Paul designed his hypothetical trade scenario featuring Austin Reaves came out before the Lakers’ home game vs. the Atlanta Hawks.

LeBron James, Rich Paul and their other closest friends
LeBron James, Rich Paul and their other closest friends (Image via Brandon Harris/X)

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… Rich, that’s what he’s doing… I have zero conversations about what his topics are going to be or what they are going to talk about. He is his own man and that is his platform.

LeBron James told Dave McMenamin

This was the 41-year-old’s response to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin when asked about Paul’s trade analogy. It seems LeBron James was trying to suggest that whatever his agent said on his podcast was not his words.

Rather, it was Paul’s doing, and the podcast’s thought process. James reiterated that his relationship with Austin Reaves is clear as night and day, and that Rich Paul’s hypothetical was not going to impact it.

Rich Paul agrees with LeBron James’ stance on his podcast

While talking about this blowback from fans and analysts alike, Rich Paul also had to talk about how LeBron James had to face questions about his opinions on his podcast.

He understands. This is not a podcast playground. We’re in the content business… I’m a businessman first. This is a business. This is my business, just like he has his business. I think it’s a respectful behavior that we have towards one another.

Rich Paul said

The agent reiterated that his Game Over Podcast was his own and had nothing to do with LeBron James. That is why the two do not take accountability for what the other says on their own podcast.

During this conversation, Max Kellerman mentioned that it was not Paul who started the Reaves trade analogy, rather it was he who brought up the Lakers’ guard.

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