Clutch Sports CEO Rich Paul has said some pretty outlandish things about Austin Reaves and the Lakers on his podcast “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul.”
These hot takes range from suggesting Reaves should be traded in multiple episodes to saying the Lakers aren’t a team, as currently constructed, good enough to make the Western Conference Finals.
Considering that Paul is not only one of the biggest agents in sports but also represents LeBron James, his words have sparked speculation that they
signal what LeBron feels.
In an article written by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron made it clear that he speaks for himself and Paul is his own person with his own thoughts.
“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,” James told ESPN on his way out of Crypto.com Arena. “And I hope people know that. I hope people know that and if they’re not sensible to know that, then I don’t know what to tell them.”
It’s a shame that guilty by association is a thing, but it is. Right or wrong, people assume Paul is saying the things James can’t be heard saying and it’s good that LeBron cleared the air on this topic.
Even ignoring it isn’t an option, because LeBron critics would argue that his silence confirms his support for Paul’s ideas. Again, that is a dangerous assumption to make, but it’s one people would certainly roll with.
By LeBron refuting that theory, the speculation should end.
LeBron also discussed his current relationship with Reaves and said things between the two Lakers stars are good.
“AR knows how I feel about him,” James told ESPN. “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 are coming through Rich.
Luckily, these podcasts have not become a distraction or created friction within the team.
While the LeBron-Austin relationship is good, the dynamic between Klutch and Reaves’ representation AMR might be a bit more shaky.
Austin’s agent spoke with Paul about his trade ideas during halftime of the most recent Lakers game against the Hawks.
All of this unnecessary drama is why many Lakers fans would very much like to see Paul just turn off his recording equipment.
If he ever does, though, it won’t be because LeBron suggested it. Later on in this ESPN exclusive, LeBron reiterated that Paul is his own person and can do whatever he wants.
“Rich has his perspective of what he sees, I have my perspective. I’m a grown man, he’s a grown man and I think people should realize that grown men can say whatever the f— they want to say and it shouldn’t reflect somebody else is saying it.”
So, there you have it. Paul’s podcast is not a reflection of LeBron’s inner thoughts, and he will continue firing off his takes and trade ideas for as long as he wants to.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
