Rich Paul is adamant his agency has lost clients due to NBA players’ hatred of LeBron James.
The super agent, who founded Klutch Sports Group over a decade ago, told Max Kellerman on the twosome’s “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul” podcast this week that his business has been impacted by the way some of James’ peers feel about the Lakers superstar.
“I’ve had NBA current players, and former players, involve themselves in a recruiting process with a kid — it’s not their son — and purposely push a kid to a different agency because of their disdain for LeBron, and I’m his guy,” Paul said. “So, I know what happens.”
Paul’s shocking revelation came as he and Kellerman were discussing the results of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and how players and media have publicly talked about it.
Paul accused the masses of giving Nuggets center Nikola Jokic a pass for a postseason loss to the Timberwolves that they wouldn’t have given to James.
“The reason why you don’t hear a lot of conversation about Jokic is because I don’t believe people are happy to see Jokic lose,” Paul said.
“But when LeBron loses, people are happy to see him lose. Especially his peers. Guys that played in the league that have platforms today. For different reasons, it’s extra. They are happy to see him lose. For whatever reason. That’s just how I feel, and I think it’s true.”
Paul didn’t expound on exactly why he believes James is so despised by some in the Association, though he did say it’s “deeper than” them just being envious of the future Hall of Famer’s situation.
“I just think that in our community,” he said, “it makes you feel better when someone else has a thing of detriment placed upon them because of what you lack and what you always wanted.
“That’s the DNA of our communities. We’re born into that. An athlete is not an exception.”
Paul went on to say he’s all for critique, but he insisted it’s more than that when it comes to James.
“I’m telling you,” he said, “it’s a deeper thing.”
