Klutch Sports co-founder Rich Paul used the debut episode of his new podcast, Game Over, with host Max Kellerman to compare the Los Angeles Lakers’ organizational habits to those of the Miami Heat, saying Los Angeles sometimes overlooks “the little things” that build a championship foundation.
“When you’re the attraction, you’re in L.A., you’re the purple and gold, the history, the legacy, you can lean on that,” Paul said. “But the details inside the organization have to be invested in.” He contrasted that approach with Miami, where former head coach and current team president Pat Riley is known for strict standards on conditioning, punctuality and overall professionalism.
Paul credited the Lakers for developing young players such as Austin Reaves, Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso, yet argued that the franchise’s broader structure lacks the consistent principles he sees in Miami. “Sometimes when you’re the prettiest girl in the room, you just put your hair in a ponytail and go out,” he said, suggesting Los Angeles relies too heavily on its brand.
The longtime agent noted that star players will always receive some preferential treatment but maintained that core rules should not change for anyone, whether “Luka, LeBron, Kobe, whoever.”
Paul also stated during the episode that he does not view the Lakers’ current roster as a title contender. The comments come as new majority owner Mark Walter begins overseeing a franchise that remains one of the sport’s premier global brands.
Source: Lakers Nation
