LeBron James wants Los Angeles Lakers fans to know he's not pulling any strings behind the scenes. Afternearly posting a historic triple-doubleTuesday, James addressed comments his agent, Rich Paul, made during an episode of his podcast.
During that episode, Paul suggested the Lakers trade Austin Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr. Given Reaves' status as a fan favorite, and the fact that he's one of James' current teammates, James felt compelled to let people knowhe had nothing to do with Paul's suggestion, per ESPN.
"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."
During the "Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul" show, Paul proposed a detailed trade offer that he believes would get the deal done. He explained that the move would give the Lakers a young big man to pair with Luka Dončić going forward, and would free up the Lakers from having to commit so much money to their backcourt. Reaves is eligible for a five-year, $241 million max contract extension this summer.
Reaves has missed time due to a calf injury, but he's been excellent when on the court this season. In 23 games, Reaves is averaging a career-high 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds. Jackson is a two-time All-Star and consistent contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Following Tuesday's game, James also went out of his way to say his relationship with Reaves is still in a good place after Paul's suggestion.
"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.
"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."
One of Reaves' agents, Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, reportedly approached Paul at the Lakers game Tuesday night to discuss Paul's trade proposal, per ESPN. The pair talked for more than five minutes.
AfterTuesday's 141-116 winover the Atlanta Hawks, the Lakers sit at 24-14, good for fifth place in the Western Conference. While the team looks like a contender, itsdefensive abilityhas been questioned by some — including head coach JJ Redick.
Jackson could help solve that issue and give the Lakers more help at a weaker position. While a Reaves for Jackson swap make some sense from that angle, James wants fans to know the idea didn't come from him.
