LeBron James' agent says Lakers aren't true contenders

Before the start of the season, super agent Rich Paul sounded alarms in the NBA world with his comments about LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Paul, James' agent and close friend, made it seem that the four-time NBA champion wasn't satisfied with the roster, adding that they would assess the team and their options in due time. James ultimately stayed put and shut down all the trade rumors, but it seems like his agent still isn't sold on JJ Redick's team. In fact, he doesn't think it can win an NBA championship as currently constructed.

Rich Paul says Lakers can't win a championship with this roster

"I personally don't think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders, not right now," Paul told Max Kellerman on their "Game Over" podcast. "I don't think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals."

The Klutch Sports CEO and founder also doesn't seem to be fond of Redick's coaching style or schemes.

"Their style of play will be very easy to defend when you get into the playoffs," said Paul.

Considering his close relationship with James, the timing and the nature of these comments are odd, to say the least. The Lakers are tied with the Denver Nuggets with a 17-6 record and are sitting in second place in the stacked Western Conference.

Even if this is how Paul truly feels and these comments aren't coming from James, this definitely isn't the type of narrative or distraction his most prominent client needs in what might be his final season in the NBA.