Since the podcast “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul” came out about a month ago, the show has been making noise for all the wrong reasons.
Paul, the Klutch Sports CEO and agent for LeBron James, has said things like the Lakers aren’t contenders, they should trade Austin Reaves and that the culture in Los Angeles needs to be better, like it is in Miami.
And that was just the first episode.
In his most recent podcast installation, Paul again suggested that Reaves should be traded. This time,
he discussed the idea of LA moving Reaves to Memphis so the Lakers could acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. and pair him with Luka Dončić.
According to a recent article by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Reaves’ agent approached Paul during LA’s game against Atlanta to discuss Paul’s constant mention of Austin being traded.
One of Reaves’ agents, Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, approached Paul on the sidelines near halfcourt at halftime of the Lakers-Hawks game. The two of them spoke for more than five minutes and the topic of conversation was Paul’s public trade scenario about Reaves, sources told ESPN.
While Paul has every right to say whatever he wants on his show, words have consequences. And Reaves’ representation clearly doesn’t like one of the most powerful agents in basketball, suggesting that their client getting traded is a good idea.
Reaves is currently in his contract year and is reportedly seeking $30 million a year on his next deal.
However, Reaves wants to remain a Laker, and these comments don’t help that cause in any way.
Hopefully, the conversation was productive, and the days of Paul suggesting Reaves should get traded are over.
If Paul is going to continue being in the media, then he needs to learn that sometimes certain thoughts are better kept off the record or just said amongst close friends.
And, you know, not broadcast to millions of people watching and listening that a star player on a team where you also represent a star should trade said player to get better.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
