LeBron James Sends Austin Reaves Message Amid Trade Pitch

Despite his importance to the team, it came as a surprise when Rich Paul, James’ longtime agent, proposed a trade involving Reaves during an episode of the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.

During the podcast, Paul suggested that the Lakers should explore a deal for Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., even if it required including Reaves as part of a potential trade package.

“If I was the Lakers, I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson… there’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team and do what’s best for Austin.”

However, James reacted to those comments following the Lakers’ win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.

“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,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “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.”

“AR knows how I feel about him,” James continued. “All you got to do is look at us on the bench. Me and AR talk every single day.”

Reaves, who joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, is currently James’ longest-tenured teammate. The two have built a strong on- and off-court relationship since Reaves’ emergence with the franchise and James has consistently praised the fifth-year guard publicly.

Paul’s comment comes at a time when Reaves’ future with the Lakers continues to be closely monitored. During the offseason, he declined a max extension from the Lakers that would have paid $89.2 million over four years, opting to play out the year and enter free agency. Reaves is eligible to sign a five-year, $241 million deal with the Lakers, and could command a four-year, $178.5 million contract elsewhere, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.