“We don’t have the same mom…” Rich Paul gets honest about relationship with LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has fostered a deep bond with friends Rich Paul and Maverick Carter over his career.
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NBA agent Rich Paul and close friend Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
In his twenty-two seasons in the NBA, LeBron James has fostered some deep relationships. Some happen to be with fellow competitors, some with coaches and staff, and some with owners. But the Los Angeles Lakers star’s relationship with agent Rich Paul and business partner Maverick Carter often interests people. Recently, Rich Paul opened up about how their relationship began.
Paul appeared as a guest on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. While discussing his connections with Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero, Paul shared insights into the origins of his close friendship and business relationship with LeBron James.
With LJ, we brothers. We don’t have the same mom. We’ve all grown as men. Our relationship has evolved a ton. From someone who gave me an opportunity, just in general. To someone who believed that I actually could represent them. I didn’t start representing him ’til his 9th year in the league, to business partner. I’ve gone against the grain in certain things, but the support is still there.
Rich Paul said
Paul was certain that the trust LeBron James has had in him for all these years is unreal as it helped them forge a relationship beyond just being partners.
Rich Paul first had a crack at being an agent when he started Klutch Sports Group in 2012. The four-time champion became his first client and set the tone for what his agency could do. Now Klutch Sports Group is responsible for some of the biggest contracts in not just the NBA, but also the WNBA and other sporting leagues as well.
Rich Paul speaks on the evolution of his relationship with LeBron pic.twitter.com/mVMOx0QYPZ
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) October 15, 2024
But that success has not defined their relationship. As Paul mentioned, the Los Angeles Lakers star’s support would have been there even if Paul went in a different direction. That is what has helped them stay close friends for so long.
LeBron James, Rich Paul and Maverick Carter built an empire together
When LeBron James first came into the league, Rich Paul was part of his inner circle along with Maverick Carter. Together, they set about to build up the brand that is LeBron James. Carter focused on building other streams of revenue through investments and partnerships, whereas Paul was the one bringing in the endorsements.
Together, they helped build LeBron James’ value up as the first active player to become a billionaire. His massive contracts are due to his elite basketball plays in all twenty-one seasons and counting. But the endorsements, the movie productions, investments in other sporting franchises, etc. were all the doing of the two friends.
Now, they all enjoy their significant successes in life. LeBron James and Maverick Carter will be part of the NBA expansion franchise ownership group whenever it materializes. Paul, being an agent, will restrict him from being a part of it. But even then, he supports their objective at every step.
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Joseph Varghese
(2272 Articles Published)