LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 31: Los Angeles Lakers Forward LeBron James (23) talks with agent Rich Paul at halftime of a NBA Basketball Herren USA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 31, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire) NBA: JAN 31 Lakers at Clippers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon190131041
LeBron James and Rich Paul’s friendship knew no bounds. From selling jerseys out of his car trunk to becoming one of the powerful sports agents in the league, Paul became the closest ally of James. Apart from King James, Paul has been a sports agent for several star athletes over the years. And, in a recent interview, he pointed out the plights of a sports agent, dealing with egoistic players. Importantly, he also revealed the last time when he was on the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s payroll.
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Even though Paul revealed the struggles of sports agent, the 41-year-old agent bagged heavy money during the offseason. He cracked a total of $600 million contracts through his players. Notably, in the opening day of 2023 free agency, he locked in $390 million through Draymond Green, Jerami Grant, and Fred VanVleet. Moreover, the combined annual salary of his clients for the upcoming season mounts up to $500, 749, 353, as per Hoopshype.com.
LeBron James’ friend revealed the dark side sports agent’s career
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Rich Paul recently appeared in NBA legend Gilbert Arenas’ show, Gil’s Arena, discussing various aspects of NBA. When he discussed about how the business had changed, he revealed several plights of the sports agents. He said, “They’re (Clients) saying I’m that special that you only want to charge me xyz, this is what goes into it so that becomes a thing so now your nourishment is this ego that you’re eating.”
USA Today via Reuters NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Finals-Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns, Jul 17, 2021 Phoenix, Arizona, USA Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James right with agent Rich Paul during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, 17.07.2021 19:02:52, 16421950, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, NBA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 16421950
He further argued that clients paid less for the agent who brought him business, but more on the expensive commodities. He continued to reveal about how he received the opportunity when he knew nothing about the business. Paul added, “I wasn’t given the opportunity out of entitlement I was given an opportunity out of capabilities.”
Following that he revealed how the opportunity took him off the James’ payroll. He said, “I was off the Bron’s payroll in 2006… two years of payroll, I was making $48,000 a year.”
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After coming off James’ payroll, he went on to built one of the powerful sports groups in the country, The Klutch Sports Group, dealing with some of the biggest names in the country.
How did LeBron James, and Rich Paul became friends?
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When 21-year-old college dropout Rich Paul sold jerseys out of his car trunk, he impressed 17-year-old James with the Oilers jersey he wore. Soon he was in the inner circle of the superstar, reported The Sun. Later in 2003, Bron was the #1 pick in the NBA draft. He paid $48,000 to Paul to be his personal assistant. Several years down the lane, he became one of the powerful sports agents in the country.
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Watch This Story – 24 Hours After LeBron James Trade Rumors, 6′10″ Lakers Star Also Speculated to Join the Exit List This Summer
What do you make of Rich Paul’s take on current business in the league? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
With His Clients Set to Earn $500,749,353 in Upcoming NBA Season, Rich Paul Reveals the Last Time He Was on LeBron James’ “Payroll”
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