It’s safe to say that Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves and Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. had no idea they would be linked in a bit of controversy. This is, of course, due to Rich Paul, agent to Reaves’ superstar teammate LeBron James and many other NBA stars, made a comment on the latest episode of his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.
In discussing the Lakers, Paul suggested that they should consider making Reaves the centerpiece of a trade package to the Grizzlies for Jackson. Paul feels Jackson would be a more ideal fit for the Lakers to build around Luka Doncic, while Reaves will still get his well-deserved payday that is coming up this summer when he hits free agency.
In the aftermath, many wondered whether Paul had some sort of inside information due to how close he works with the Lakers, while also questioning if these ideas were shared by James. But as for Jackson, the Grizzlies center didn’t even believe the comments we’re real when he saw them, via Joe Vardon of The Athletic:
“There’s just a lot of podcasts,” Jackson said. “At first, I didn’t think it was real. You have to figure out if it’s real, usually now, and I’m not as versed technology-wise as these people younger than me. I was figuring out if it’s AI, deepfake, all that stuff. That’s all I had, I didn’t really have much of a reaction.”
That thought process is a fair one as fake AI videos are everywhere online these days and it is becoming more and more difficult to figure out what is real and what isn’t. The idea of an active agent making public trade suggestions involving the teammates of his biggest client is something that most wouldn’t expect to see, Jackson included.
The rumors themselves didn’t seem to bother Jackson and, now in his eighth NBA season, he has likely gotten used to hearing his name being thrown out from time to time. But the circumstances surrounding this one was a bit different, though it looks like everyone can turn the page on any potential Lakers-Grizzlies trade.
Austin Reaves’ agent spoke with Rich Paul at halftime of Lakers game
Comments coming from the agent of a superstar player suggesting a trade of one of his teammates is pretty much guaranteed to stir up some potential drama. While all seems well within the Lakers and between Reaves and James, Reaves’ agent was seen having a conversation with Paul about his comments during the Lakers’ game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
