Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made it clear to reporters.He is not responsible for the trade comments made by his agent, Rich Paul is a highly influential figure in basketball.
“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.””I hope people know that,” James told the outlet.
“AR knows how I feel about him,” James stated.”All you got to do is look at us on the bench.
Me and AR talk every single day.”
“So, AR knows how I feel about him.And I hope AR or his camp don’t look at me and think this is words from me.I hope they don’t think the words are coming through Rich.”
The Podcast Proposal That Stirred the Pot
The situation started on Paul’s podcast, “Game Over with Max Kellerman”.He explained his reasoning for the hypothetical trade with Memphis.He argued it would help both the Lakers and Austin Reaves.
Paul believed the Lakers needed a defensive anchor.This was especially true for building around their young star, Luka Doncic.He identified Jaren Jackson Jr. as the perfect fit.
“If you’re building around Luka going forward, which they are, you need that anchor.And Jaren doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild,” Paul said.He suggested the Lakers should pursue the two-time All-Star.
“Memphis would definitely pay Austin.He would become probably their point guard and leading scorer, for sure.
But definitely their highest-paid player,” the agent elaborated.
A Tense Halftime Meeting and Clear Boundaries
The fallout from the podcast was immediate and tense.Sources confirmed an awkward exchange during the Lakers’ next game.It happened at halftime against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
One of Austin Reaves’s agents, Reggie Berry, approached Rich Paul.The two men spoke courtside for over five minutes.Their conversation centered entirely on the public trade scenario.
LeBron James stated he had no prior knowledge of Paul’s podcast topic.He stressed he does not consult with Paul about his show’s content.James respects the platform but maintains clear boundaries.
“He is his own man and that is his platform.I’m a grown man, he’s a grown man.And I think people should realize that grown men can say what they want.”
A Parallel Drama in Memphis and Roster Questions
The trade speculation exists within a larger NBA landscape.It is especially relevant given the turmoil within the Memphis Grizzlies.Their own franchise guard, Ja Morant, is at the center of trade rumors.Reports confirm the Grizzlies are now open to trading Morant.
They reportedly view Jaren Jackson Jr. as a foundational piece.The Grizzlies are “shooting down all those inquiries” about trading him.Their plan may be to build a new contender around Jackson.
Coach JJ Redick was effusive in his praise for the 41-year-old star.He defended James’s commitment and legacy after the game.”Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares.”
Austin Reaves remains a key player for the team’s present and future.The business of basketball, however, is always simmering in the background.As the February trade deadline approaches, speculation will only intensify.