Despite playing just seven games this season, LeBron James has already left an undeniable mark for the Los Angeles Lakers, who currently hold a 17-6 record and sit second in the NBA’s Western Conference.

However, questions about the team’s championship viability have emerged, driven largely by the cautious assessment of James‘s agent, Rich Paul, who has publicly addressed rumors of a move to the New York Knicks.

On a recent episode of Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, Paul made his position crystal clear regarding the Lakers‘ chances.

“I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals,” Paul said. “I don’t think they have enough to really contend, from that perspective.”

Despite the Lakers‘ strong performance, with a 6-1 record in games featuring James and an 11-5 record without him, Paul remains skeptical about their ability to navigate a competitive Western Conference.

New York move on the cards?

The discussion also touched on potential alternative destinations for James, particularly the New York Knicks.

When prompted, Paul did not entirely dismiss the possibility, stating: “I mean, listen, he definitely makes them better. I will give you that.”

While emphasizing that James is committed to finishing the 2025-26 season with the Lakers, Paul left the door slightly open to speculation, fueling further debate among NBA analysts and fans alike.

The Lakers face a tough road to a championship. Even with James‘s presence and the productive pairing of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, analysts note that the team’s depth and overall consistency may not be enough to take them all the way.

Rich Paul makes it crystal clear: LeBron stays

Despite his cautious assessment, Paul reaffirmed his client’s loyalty to the Lakers for the remainder of the season, doubling down on the idea that no trade will occur midseason.

“Where’s he going to go?” Paul said. “Does LeBron make the Knicks better? Yes he would, of course but 29 other teams would say the same thing”

As the season progresses, LeBron‘s performance and the Lakers‘ ability to maximize it will be closely watched. Beyond that, the door is definitely ajar for a potential trade, with the Knicks in the mix.

With Paul‘s comments generating some debate about a potential Knicks trade, fans and analysts alike are debating whether a move could reshape the Eastern Conference landscape or if James will lead the Lakers through the remainder of the season with renewed championship ambitions.

In the meantime, the focus switches to the action on court and the Lakers‘ 17-6 start demonstrates some form of momentum.

But Paul‘s reservations highlight that even elite talent like James must contend with questions about team depth, competition, and the ever-present pressure to deliver a title.