LeBron James Affirms Support for Austin Reaves After Rich Paul’s Trade Comment
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LOS ANGELES — LeBron James said there is no tension between him and guard Austin Reaves after Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul publicly floated the idea of the Los Angeles Lakers trading Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr.
Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James emphasized that Paul’s opinion does not mirror his own. “AR knows how I feel about him,” James said. “Me and AR talk every single day. I hope AR—or his camp—don’t look at me and think these words from Rich are coming through me. Rich has his perspective; I have my perspective. Grown men can say whatever they want to say, and it shouldn’t reflect somebody else.”
James and Reaves have been teammates for five seasons, making Reaves the longest-tenured Laker alongside the four-time MVP. James has frequently praised Reaves’ growth and on-court contributions.
Paul, who represents James, made the trade suggestion during a recent episode of his podcast. The agent’s dual role as team-building commentator and player representative has sparked debate around the league about potential conflicts of interest.
Although the podcast remarks drew immediate attention, the Lakers’ locker room appears unaffected. During halftime of a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Reaves’ agent was seen speaking with Paul, indicating the two representation groups had direct communication.
James reiterated that his relationship with Reaves remains strong, pointing to their regular conversations and courtside interactions as evidence. “All you got to do is look at us on the bench,” he said.
Source: Lakers Nation
