Rich Paul Defends LeBron James’ ‘Christmas with Family’ Comment with Michael Jordan Reference

Lakers superstar LeBron James claimed that he would rather be with his family than play a Christmas Day game.

Rich Paul Defends LeBron James’ ‘Christmas with Family’ Comment with Michael Jordan Reference

Rich Paul slammed LeBron James' critics (Image via FirstSportz)

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After LeBron James finished their away game against cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, one of the questions reporters asked was his opinion of his team’s game on Christmas Day.

He will be playing in his NBA-record 21st such game, which reinforces the fact that the soon-to-be 41-year-old is still one of the biggest draws in the league. When reporters asked him what he would have done if he did not have to play the Houston Rockets at home, “the King” replied that he would have preferred to spend Christmas with his family.

Naturally, with anything the superstar says, naysayers quickly started to criticize him for suggesting that he prefers his family over the NBA. That caught his agent, Rich Paul‘s, attention.

The problem I got with that is, if that was anybody else that said that, in that capacity, it would’ve been like (gestures a shrug). 10 years from now, if you play that tape to somebody or see MJ say that to Ahmad Rashad. People will be like, (gestures a shrug).

Rich Paul said on the Game Over podcast

The super agent believes that, usually, players get a pass, especially when they are someone not named LeBron James. But since it was him, people had to react.

The Klutch Sports CEO reiterated that it was not as if his most important client was proposing that he would rather stay at home. Instead, those who criticized the clip did not realize James had said that he was ‘honored’ to play in this game.

LeBron James reveals how his teammates troll him

As LeBron James ignores social media warriors and critics look forward to the next few games on their schedule, he managed to take out some time and speak on his podcast.

My teammates make jokes with me all the time before I go out. They always say, ‘Welp, it’s gonna be another LeBron record tonight.’

LeBron James revealed on Mind the Game podcast

This was the Akron native revealing how his Lakers teammates troll him every day. Since he already has a lot of records under his name, his teammates take the chance to find something humorous about it.

Usually, when a player breaks a record, his teammates celebrate that moment both during the game and after. In James’ situation, his teammates have become accustomed to him breaking or setting records now and then, so they have started to take it lightly.

His 10-point streak might be over, but as long as he continues to play, there are several other records he can continue to etch his name onto.

LeBron James’ focus will be to improve the Lakers’ record

After losing his 10-point streak, LeBron James candidly reminded everyone that he prefers to win. The Los Angeles Lakers have been inconsistent this month, and that is something he might want to fix.

Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James
Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James (Image via FTW/X)

Four losses in this period have seen them drop two spots on the Western Conference ladder, which is not a good sign if they are to get easier matchups in the first couple of playoff series.

If they are to return to second place, the men in purple and gold have to put together a string of wins. Just hoping that teams above them will lose games is not the way to go.

Therefore, James has to lead his team back into the win column. It will be difficult with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves struggling with injuries, but they cannot afford to continue in this form.

The Lakers have used more starting lineup variations than any other team in the league. Despite that, they are still in a playoff spot. They should hope that they get back players healthy, so that they can mount a charge.

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