Overview
- James told ESPN that Rich Paul “is his own man” and that the agent’s podcast comments do not reflect his views on teammate Austin Reaves.
- On the Game Over podcast, Paul floated sending Reaves, expiring contracts and a future first-round pick to the Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr., with GG Jackson also mentioned by ESPN.
- Lakers beat reporting says people inside the organization have been unhappy with Paul’s podcast commentary, including his recent trade talk and earlier claim that L.A. is not a contender.
- Reaves’ agent Reggie Berry spoke with Paul for more than five minutes at halftime of the Lakers-Hawks game about the public trade scenario, according to ESPN.
- Reaves is averaging about 26.6 points and 6.3 assists but is out with a calf (gastrocnemius) strain and in the final year of a team-friendly deal; Jaren Jackson Jr. brushed off the idea and an anonymous executive criticized it, and multiple reports suggest a trade is unlikely for now.