Rich Paul asked Lakers Warriors not to trade LeBron James

Last season, there were rumors of blockbuster trade talks involving LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Golden State Warriors. It was reported at the time that the talks were serious enough that the Lakers and Warriors owners were involved in the discussions. Ultimately, the Lakers would have only moved James if he had asked for a deal to send him to the Warriors.

Ultimately, no deal was reached and James remained in Los Angeles. That may have been partly because James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, was opposed to the idea of ​​a move to the Bay Area. The superagent asked both parties not to consider a deal. Paul reportedly wanted to protect his superstar client from the criticism that would come with a fourth team change.

James previously left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010. James then returned to the Cavs in 2014. The superstar forward then left Cleveland a second time for the Lakers in 2018.