LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Rich Paul attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on November 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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LeBron James’ agent caused quite a stir around the NBA this week.

Rich Paul, one of the top representatives in the game, tossed out a shocking criticism aimed at the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I personally don't think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders, not right now,” Paul said on his podcast. “I don't think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals.”

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Considering Paul’s most notable client is LeBron James, the comment has been met with some pushback from fans and analysts.

DENVER, CO - APRIL 07: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

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Former NBA Star DeMarcus Cousins Sounds Off

“Obviously, with all the talent in the starting five for the Lakers, you would think otherwise, but it’s weird to hear Rich Paul say that with his biggest client being LeBron James,” Cousins said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show.

“To me it’s kind of more to it. It could be strategy down the line. I’m not sure what the strategy is for, but I’m just kind of being optimistic about his words, but it’s weird and I do think there are better teams in the West, so there is some truth to it. … I don’t understand why he would say that.”

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Currently, the Lakers are sitting second in the Western Conference with a 17-6 record. They trail the Oklahoma City Thunder by 5.5 games.

The Denver Nuggets hold the same record as the Lakers, while the Houston Rockets are one game behind both of them.

Since Rich Paul is a known facilitator with a heavy influence on moves for his clients, his outlook on the Lakers’ situation holds plenty of weight.

Since Paul claimed that LeBron will finish the final year of his contract with the Lakers, the skepticism doesn’t come off as a scare tactic for the Lakers. Instead, it seems like a nudge to start considering some win-now moves for the supporting cast.

The Latest on the Lakers’ Trade Plans

The Lakers love the spotlight, and they love a superstar. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the biggest name on the trade block, but the Lakers are unlikely to have the pieces to get something done.

When it comes to those under-the-radar type of moves, one popular name that comes up in hypotheticals and suggestions is Herb Jones. The New Orleans Pelicans standout is currently posting averages of 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.

It’s still early in the trade season, so nothing is concrete. But Rich Paul’s point of view creates an interesting talking point, that’s for sure.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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