LeBron James’ Agent Rich Paul Is Not the NBA’s Most Powerful Voice; Here’s Who Is originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With around 40 clients, including NBA All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Klutch Sports founder and CEO Rich Paul ranks third on Forbes’ list of the most powerful sports agents.

The James trade talk stemmed from a cryptic statement his agent, Rich Paul, issued on June 29 when he decided to exercise his player option for the 2025-26 campaign. That comment, at the very least, was interpreted as keeping the door open for a trade request.

Los Angeles Lakers president Rob Pelinka said he is having "positive" conversations with LeBron James' agent Rich Paul, and that it "would be great" if the superstar were to close out his NBA career with the Lakers.