Rich Paul likens LeBron James to Muhammad Ali
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Los Angeles, CA — Longtime agent Rich Paul drew a parallel between LeBron James and boxing icon Muhammad Ali during the latest episode of his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.
Paul said James’ 2016 NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers — achieved after erasing a 3-1 Finals deficit against the Golden State Warriors — elevated the forward to a realm that goes beyond simple win-loss records.
“If you win one time in Cleveland, there’s nothing else to be done,” Paul told Kellerman. “Whether you have two, four, six, 18, whatever. You’re a champion. But the idea of going back home, winning one… I always looked at LeBron to be more of what I would say was the People’s Champ, like Muhammad Ali was. Even when he lost I felt like people really embraced him.”
Ali is widely regarded as a transcendent athlete in part because he publicly addressed polarizing social issues. Paul noted that James has followed a similar path, often speaking out on sensitive topics despite potential financial repercussions.
While Ali faced widespread criticism during his boxing career and only gained universal admiration years later, James’ detractors have largely focused on his on-court decisions rather than his off-court commentary, Paul added.
James, 41, was last seen on May 9, 2026, warming up at Crypto.com Arena before Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Whether the four-time MVP will extend his career remains one of the offseason’s key storylines for the Los Angeles Lakers and the wider NBA.
Source: LakersNation.com
