Rich Paul met with the Los Angeles Lakers’ management this week to address the future of LeBron James with the team, according to a report.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that Paul, whose top client is James, met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and team general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday. In the meeting, Paul apparently reaffirmed James’ commitment to the team.
Paul reportedly said there was shared blame for the Lakers’ disappointing season. James apparently believes the focus should be on finishing this season strong and then turning attention towards improving the roster for next season.
According to Woj, Paul privately has downplayed the possibility that James could leave in free agency next summer.
There has been speculation and rumors saying that James is unhappy with the Lakers. First off, a report said Paul was upset with the Lakers for not trading Russell Westbrook for John Wall. Then there was some speculation that James threw some shade at the Lakers’ front office for not doing more at the trade deadline. On top of all that, James said he was open to an eventual return to Cleveland.
James leaving the Lakers never seemed very realistic. He’s 37 years old and his family has made Los Angeles their new home. James is planning to keep playing until the time that his son, Bronny, is ready for the NBA. Maybe at that point James will leave for another team to play with his son. But until then, leaving the Lakers doesn’t make a lot of sense for him.
Photo: Jan 21, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
