LeBron James was not upset over milestone game ball controversy, says Rich Paul

The issue became a talking point after Rob Pelinka reportedly gave the game ball to JJ Redick for his 100th coaching victory.

However, Paul, James’ agent, pushed back against the idea that the four-time NBA champion would be bothered by missing out on another commemorative ball.

While speaking on his Game Over podcast, the 45-year-old stated (via USA Today): “I think people are reading too much into whether it was a signed ball or anything. I’ve never in my life seen LeBron get disgruntled about a basketball or some type of accolade.

“I can’t tell you how many player of the week, player of the month, MVPs, gold medal, trophies dating back to 1992. This man got so many awards. Another basketball?”

That response matters because the story about James getting somehow offended by that landed during a sensitive Lakers offseason. The No. 23 is entering free agency after Los Angeles were eliminated by Oklahoma City.

The Lakers now have to decide how to build around Luka Doncic, while also addressing James’ future and Austin Reaves’ situation.

Paul’s comments did not remove every question around James and the Lakers. They did, however, shift this specific issue away from the idea of personal frustration.