Jan. 14 (UPI) — LeBron James has distanced himself from the comments of agent Rich Paul, who recently urged the Los Angeles Lakers to trade teammate Austin Reeves.
James discussed the comments during a postgame interview with ESPN in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The star forward said they were “not a direct reflection” of his feelings. Paul of Klutch Sports pushed for a trade for Reeves on a recent episode. game over podcast.
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“I think you all know by now, Richie is his own man and what Richie said is not a direct reflection of me and my feelings,” James told ESPN.
“I want people to know that, and if they don’t know it wisely, then I don’t know what to tell them.”
James’ Lakers (24 wins and 14 losses) rank fifth in the Western Conference. They defeated the Atlanta Hawks 141-116 on Tuesday, ending a three-game losing streak.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (center) separates his comments from agent Rich Paul (right) regarding a potential trade for Austin Reeves. File photo: Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
The 41-year-old James totaled 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in the blowout victory. He averaged 22.4 points per game, his lowest total since his rookie season in 2003-04.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will become a free agent this offseason, but is also expected to retire soon.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reeves (right) is currently out with a calf strain. File photo: Jim Ruymen/UPI
The 27-year-old Reeves averaged a career-high 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds in the first 23 games of the season. The five-year veteran has a $14.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but he is expected to opt out. He will be eligible to sign a five-year, $241 million max contract with the Lakers.
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Paul suggested on his podcast that the Lakers could offer Reaves, his expiring contract and their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick in the NBA Draft to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for big man Jaren Jackson and forward GG Jackson.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reeves (right) is averaging a career-high 26.6 points through the first 23 games of the season. File photo: Jim Ruymen/UPI
The agent also stressed that Reeves deserves to be paid, but his future contract could make it challenging for the Lakers to build a complete roster around All-Star guard Luka Doncic.
“Now I love him [Reaves] As a Laker, but if this is a situation where we need to balance that — because if you put all your money into the backcourt, you’re going to be limited in your flexibility to fill out the rest of the team…” Paul said.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is averaging 22.4 points in his first 21 starts this season. File photo: Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
Paul also said that Jaren Jackson Jr. “doesn’t want to be a part of the rebuild,” hinting that he may be on his way out of the Grizzlies. Reeves’ agent, Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, spoke with Paul during Tuesday’s game. The Lakers guard hasn’t played since Dec. 25 due to a calf strain.
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There have also been reports in recent weeks of dissatisfaction within the Lakers organization with Paul’s podcast. Paul also represents Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has a $21.6 million player option for next season but could be traded or opt out of free agency.
The Lakers will host the Charlotte Hornets (14-26) in Los Angeles on Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
