Rich Paul Says NBA Media Shouldn't Be Criticized For LeBron James' Trade Rumors: 'It's Not For Us To Rebuttal'

LeBron James' exit from the Lakers has now become a question of when, not if. After recent updates on James' strained relationship with the Lakers' front office, several trade rumors have also followed. Most recently, four teams reportedly contacted the Lakers to discuss a trade for James. 

Rich Paul, James' agent, was questioned by several media personnel about what James plans to do. Some reports claimed that his camp denies all rumors of any extension or exit. 

After triggering trade rumors with his own words, Paul went on the Sirius XM radio show and said that while James is not focused on what the media is saying, he respects what certain analysts and experts are saying about him.  

“There are so many voices in today’s game, like media and things like that, and everyone has a job to do. For us, let those people do their jobs; it’s not for us to rebuttal or give clarity on what’s said and what’s not said, that’s not the focus. The focus is, hey man, enjoy your summer.”

“You can’t dispel everything someone has to say, and you’ve been around this team a long time. There’s never been the expectation on anyone like it’s been on him-- You can’t do out here and try to prove everyone wrong or wanting to make sure everyone is right. Critique is the critique.

“Everyone’s journey is different. The success of some and the so-called failure of others--- I know how hard it is to get to the NBA, I know how hard it is to stay in the NBA, I know how hard it is to have consistency while being in the NBA. It’s easy for us to critique sitting behind these microphones.

“But the respect level for all the guys playing, and I know the respect for someone at LeBron’s level, and his tenure, and all the things that he’s accomplished. Again, you can’t buy into those things [trade rumors], people are doing their job, so we understand and he understands that. I think ‘How do we do things’ is what my focus is.”

James ended his 22nd season with All-NBA caliber numbers. He averaged 24.5 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds in the last season, including Playoffs and regular season games.