Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul recently made a bold trade suggestion for the Lakers involving Austin Reaves. This was not received well, as several Lakers fans lashed out on social media, emphasizing their discontent with the idea.
Amid this noise, LeBron James issued a statement on Paul’s comments, clarifying that they didn’t reflect his own opinions. On this note, Rich Paul also addressed his professional relationship with James on the “Game Over Podcast” and how the two exist as individuals rather than a unit.
“He [James] understands. This is not a podcast playground,” Paul stated. “We’re in the content business, and after you’re done saying all these different terms, just end it with 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. I think you see agent-client behavior. The other thing that sits up under that is that he knows. He knows that I don’t do anything with malice or spite. If there was something I wanted to say, I’d go right to the source.”
Rich Paul’s need to clarify his dynamic with LeBron James is understandable, especially since it addresses the rumors hinting at James’ influence in dictating potential trades.
Paul also gave a diplomatic take on James’ candidacy for the All-Star Game, sharing that he wouldn’t want the Lakers superstar to be selected as a ‘charity case’.
In a way, this may have been an honest attempt at highlighting their professional relationship. Given the kind of impact his comments had on the Lakers’ franchise, a degree of damage control seems necessary.
Rich Paul Doesn’t Mind Agents Speaking About His Clients
Following his comments on the Lakers pursuing a trade for Austin Reaves, Rich Paul was reportedly confronted by one of Reaves’ agents for stirring rumors. Although Paul responded by backing off on his statement, he claimed that he wouldn’t mind if another agent spoke about his clients the same way.
“I get agents going into families’ living rooms and lie on me every single day,” Paul stated. “Every day, there’s an agency of some sort going into a family’s living rooms saying, ‘Look, why would you want to sign with Rich and Klutch. He has a podcast. He’s never going to care about your son. He only cares about LeBron!’ They have been doing this since 2012.”
“You know what I do? When I see these people, I walk up on them and shake their hands. You don’t hear a peep out of me about anything, unless it becomes something that you’re blatantly disrespecting me on. Then that’s a different story.”
Paul reveals the intricacies of athlete management and the business as a whole with his statement. Although his disposition is commendable, the impact of his recent comments is undeniable.
With the trade deadline only a few weeks away, teams are facing certain pressures to make deals and improve their rosters.
While the Lakers are in a solid position, when considering their championship aspirations, it is evident that the team needs to make upgrades. Rich Paul’s suggestion to trade Austin Reaves may not have much merit on paper, but given the franchise’s desperate circumstances, it may appear enticing.
Regardless, given the chaos this has stirred and how counterproductive this could be for the Lakers, the team’s frustration with Paul seems justified.
