An agent for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves confronted Rich Paul, the prominent sports agent who represents LeBron James, during a recent Lakers game after Paul publicly suggested trading Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr.
Reggie Berry of AMR Agency approached Paul at halftime of the Lakers’ matchup against the Atlanta Hawks and spoke with him for more than five minutes about the comments, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the conversation was private. The exchange stemmed from Paul’s remarks on the “Game Over” podcast, where he said the Lakers should target Jackson as a trade acquisition.
“If I was the Lakers, I would probably be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson,” Paul said on the podcast with co-host Max Kellerman. He added that a package could include Reaves, noting, “This comes with a very unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved, which he should be.” Paul emphasized that Memphis could offer Reaves a significant contract and a leading role.
The comments drew backlash within the Lakers organization, with some members expressing displeasure over Paul’s public speculation about team personnel, sources told ESPN. Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group, has previously discussed Reaves’ role with the Lakers, including suggesting he come off the bench earlier in the season.
“AR knows how I feel about him,” James told ESPN. “All you got to do is look at us on the bench. Me and AR talk every single day. So, AR knows how I feel about him and I hope AR — or his camp — don’t look at me and think this is words from me are coming through Rich.
“Rich has his perspective of what he sees, I have my perspective. I’m a grown man, he’s a grown man and I think people should realize that grown men can say whatever the f— they want to say and it shouldn’t reflect somebody else is saying it.”
Reaves, 27, has been a key contributor for the Lakers since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
“(Reaves) I love him as a Laker but if that is a situation where WE getting balance…”
– Rich Paul –Rich is not part of LA management so why is he invoking “We” in his trade proposal of Austin?
Rich is Bron’s mouthpiece & AR should be livid. pic.twitter.com/h9xrkYOYYH
— 80’s/90’s Plumbers Rep (@MoryMagisSprts) January 13, 2026
Jackson, 26, is a two-time All-Defensive team selection and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions around trade speculation in the NBA, particularly involving high-profile agents like Paul, whose clients include several Lakers players. Analyst Skip Bayless praised Berry’s actions on social media, writing:
“GOOD FOR THE AGENT. DON’T LET LEBRON AND HIS AGENT TRY TO RUN THE LAKERS.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick, in a separate interview, defended Reaves’ value to the team but did not directly address Paul’s comments. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6.
