• LeBron James said Rich Paul’s podcast views don’t reflect him.
• Paul suggested trading Austin Reaves to Memphis for Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Reaves’ camp and Paul discussed the scenario at halftime; LeBron says no fallout.
• James posted 31 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds in the same game.
H2: LeBron distances himself from Rich Paul’s podcast take
After the Los Angeles Lakers’ 141-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James told reporters he does not share the trade view expressed by his agent, Rich Paul, on Paul’s new podcast. Paul suggested the Lakers should trade Austin Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr., a scenario that drew immediate attention.
“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 said on his way out of Crypto.com Arena. “Rich has his perspective of what he sees, I have my perspective. I’m a grown man, he’s a grown man.”
H3: What Rich Paul proposed on the podcast
On Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, Paul laid out a potential deal in which the Lakers would send Reaves as the centerpiece to Memphis in exchange for two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr., plus the Grizzlies’ forward G.G. Jackson as a developmental piece. Paul suggested the Lakers could use expiring contracts and a future first-round pick as sweeteners.
Paul said the move would give the Lakers a defensive anchor alongside their core and argued Reaves would thrive and be well-paid in Memphis.
H4: Reactions — Reaves’ camp and the Lakers bench
During halftime of Tuesday’s game, Reaves’ agent Reggie Berry reportedly approached Paul on the sideline and spoke with him for several minutes about the podcast scenario. Sources told ESPN the conversation focused on Paul’s public trade proposal.
LeBron said there was no fallout between him and Reaves, noting their close relationship. “AR knows how I feel about him. All you got to do is look at us on the bench. Me and AR talk every single day,” James said.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick also defended James in his postgame remarks, praising LeBron’s commitment and care for the team.
H5: Game context — LeBron’s near triple-double
In the same game, LeBron delivered one of his strongest performances of the season: 31 points on 12-for-20 shooting, 10 assists and nine rebounds. He played the second night of a back-to-back for the first time this season.
James added that he did not consult Paul before the agent launched his media venture and called hosting the podcast Paul’s prerogative. The exchange underlines the separation between an agent’s public commentary and the star player’s own views, even when both men remain closely connected off the court.
The story highlights ongoing trade-deadline chatter around the NBA and the sometimes-fraught overlap of player representation, media platforms and team dynamics.
Image Referance: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47606678/lebron-james-separates-rich-paul-comments-austin-reaves-trade
