LeBron's Agent Names Who He Believes Lakers Should Trade For

Rich Paul’s new podcast is making waves. As the agent to LeBron James and many of the other most prominent players in the NBA, what he says matters. He’s had viral quotes about LeBron’s legacy, NBA trade rumors, and much more. 

Recently, he discussed a potential Lakers trade rumor that has stirred a lot of interest. 

“If I was the Lakers I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson… If you’re building around Luka you need that anchor. Jaren doesn’t want to be apart of a rebuild… if you’re able to trade out expirings and trade the last 1st you got or you can withhold and give up less but this comes with a more unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved. There’s a world you can do what’s best for your team, and what’s best for Austin. Austin deserves to get paid… Memphis would definitely pay Austin. He would become their leading scorer and PG”

First of all, the Memphis Grizzlies haven’t shown any indication that Jaren Jackson Jr. is going to be available to trade. The Lakers have made it clear they want Austin Reaves there as part of their long-term future. 

JJJ is having one of his worst years in the last three seasons. Reaves is having a career year. If the Lakers were to swap those players as well and add draft capital to the trade, they’d be shooting themselves in the foot. 

So, what’s the point of Paul saying something like this? Is it of any benefit to his top client and business partner, LeBron James? Regardless of the intent, Paul calling for the Lakers to get rid of Reaves, even for a great player like Jaren Jackson Jr., is not a good look.