Rich Paul isn't happy with talk of the Los Angeles Lakers playing better without his superstar client LeBron James.
James is going through the 23rd year of his illustrious NBA career. He has developed chemistry with co-stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, forming a powerful trio on the Lakers team.
However, there have been concerns about the team's level of play should James play or be absent. The latter has been more active as Los Angeles seems to be winning more with James on the sidelines.
Paul shut down all the hot takes that the Lakers are better off without James. He says that James is a person who can play in any position, he has never had any problem fitting into any team and he always plays basketball the right way. In other words, he believes none of James's teams will be better off without him.
"Do you know how hard it is to not start training camp and not be in a rhythm. Well, it's not like he's ever had a problem fitting in versus fitting out, or playing the right way. He's always just played the right way. He's a guy that can play, really play, and knows how to play, in every position on the floor. Think about it, if he was your five man, he'd be playing some small ball five," Paul said in Game Over. Said at the 33:05 mark. podcast.
What's next for LeBron James, Lakers
The Lakers benefit when their star trio is active and healthy. As for LeBron James, he will have to take care of his health as the quest for a fifth title continues.
Los Angeles has a record of 42–25 on the season, placing third in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, while trailing the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Following their matchup against the Rockets on Monday, the Lakers will prepare for their next contest. They are scheduled to play a rematch against Houston as tip-off begins on March 18 at 9:30 pm ET.
