The Los Angeles Lakers must make some big decisions for the future with Austin Reaves and LeBron James both nearing the end of their current contracts. Reaves getting off to such a hot start sees him having a realistic chance at making the All-Star team. The Lakers are reportedly preparing to offer a big deal, and match offers other teams may make.
Rich Paul is known for his close friendship with LeBron and for running Klutch Sports Group as a premiere sports agency. Max Kellerman’s recent interview with Paul led to a strange comparison of Reaves to Desmond Bane and Norman Powell:
“The best two guards are on the Olympic team. Norman Powell is not on the Olympic team, but does that mean that Norman Powell is not a really good two guard? No. But this is what I’m saying if you’re talking about the best. That’s why I like to go by tiers, not best. The tier 1 guys, the tier 2 guys. I would say Norman Powell is in that Tier 2 with Austin Reaves and Desmond Bane.”
Lakers fans have fallen in love with Reaves showing a higher ceiling than anyone expected with averages over 30 points when LeBron and Luka Doncic were out with injuries. Paul comparing Reaves to two players that have never made an All-Star team is surprising.
Did Rich Paul Slight Austin Reaves?
The discussion about Reaves and his future by most this season revolves around how great he can become. Reaves has shown that he can play All-Star level basketball and has delivered some incredible statistical performances.
Paul defining Reaves as a second-tier guard below the top shooting guards may upset some Lakers fans. In fairness to LeBron’s long-time friend, Reaves is definitely on a tier below names like Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker. Paul is likely showing respect to that top tier of elite superstar shooting guards.
However, the vision for the Lakers often sees expectations for Reaves to be more than a second-tier guard. Reaves must continue playing consistently great basketball and take strides forward for the team to warrant paying the max contract that he is seeking.
Was Rich Paul Speaking For LeBron?
Some feedback to this quote has seen speculation that Paul was speaking from the perspective of wanting James to get a great contract offer from the Lakers. Recent reports have seen the belief that the Lakers will prioritize Reaves higher than LeBron due to their ages.
Doncic’s extension with the Lakers confirms he will be the top face of the franchise, and the Lakers trust Reaves’ age more than James for the next big contract. Paul could have been inferring that Reaves is still a third option on a title contending team, like Bane and Powell, to help James’ leverage.
Regardless of the intent, Paul putting a lower ceiling on Reaves than Lakers fans see is not a move someone close to the situation would typically make. The success of Paul as an agent and his role in LeBron’s success does give him more confidence to express his opinions on basketball.
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