The Los Angeles Lakers rarely drift far from the center of the NBA conversation, and this week was no exception. What began as a hypothetical roster discussion quickly grew into a full-blown media moment, fueled by the names involved and the weight they carry around the league.
Rich Paul, one of basketball’s most influential agents, set the tone during his Game Over podcast when he floated the idea of the Lakers pursuing Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. In outlining the scenario, Paul mentioned Austin Reaves as a possible trade piece, noting both Reaves’ future contract situation and the opportunity he might find on a rebuilding team like Memphis. With the Lakers, even theory travels fast.
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That backdrop framed Wednesday’s episode of First Take, where Stephen A. Smith responded forcefully. Smith made it clear that Paul’s experience matters in moments like this. According to Smith, someone with Paul’s history of negotiating and shaping major NBA deals understands how comments involving the Lakers and LeBron James will be interpreted, whether or not that interpretation is fair.
Smith acknowledged his friendly relationship with Paul but stressed that proximity to power changes perception. He argued that Paul’s long-standing connection with James ensures that any public take on Lakers roster moves will be viewed as more than casual analysis.
“We all know you’re attached to the hip with LeBron James. So when you say something about something that directly impacts LeBron James, that is going to be the assumption, whether fair or unfair. And Rich Paul is entirely too smart not to know that.
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Paul’s original comments were not framed as a demand, but the reaction showed how sensitive the situation is. Speaking to ESPN after the Lakers’ 141-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James moved to separate himself from the speculation. James emphasized that Paul speaks independently and that his own feelings toward Reaves have not changed.
James went further, pointing to his daily interactions with Reaves as evidence of their relationship. His message was clear. Any suggestion that Paul was relaying James’ thoughts through the podcast was off the mark.
The situation even spilled into the arena. ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin noted that Reaves’ agent, Reggie Berry of AMR Agency, approached Paul during halftime of the Hawks game. The two spoke for several minutes, with the conversation centered on the public trade scenario involving Reaves.
“I think you all know by now, Rich is his own man and what Rich says is not a direct reflection of me and how I feel… And I hope people know that. I hope people know that and if they’re not sensible to know that, then I don’t know what to tell them.
For now, the Lakers are turning their attention back to the court. They host the Charlotte Hornets before heading out for a short road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers. Still, the episode highlighted a familiar reality in Los Angeles. With the Lakers, discussion rarely stays theoretical for long, especially when influential voices and core players are involved.
