Rich Paul and LeBron James have had their back before James entered the NBA draft in 2003. Their unshakable bond has yielded a fruitful business partnership. The two have charted the NBA journey with remarkable poise. Being both his agent and friend, Rich Paul knew he had to up his game to form a brand. He didn’t want to be just in his buddy’s shadow, because he knew that he could do much more. Having a tough childhood made him immune to the grind of adult life. His book Lucky Me: A Memoir of Changing the Hoods tracks his journey as someone who came from nothing and built a business empire. 

As he builds his brand, he emphasizes the role of his upbringing and how he grew up without the one who gave him birth. 

Rich Paul credits tough upbringing for success

The incredible agent founded Klutch Sports in 2012 and changed the game forever. This agency has represented over 50 NBA athletes. Anthony Davis negotiated a three-year $186 extension through it. Therefore, Paul has now become one of the strongest agents. His agency has negotiated contracts that are over $1 billion. As a result of this, he has amassed a net worth of $120 million. He never thought he would achieve this success, and that is why he titled his book “Lucky Me”.

For the superb agent, the role of his childhood is vital. Appearing on The Old Man and The Three podcast, Paul talked about his book, explaining his journey to pod hosts Jimmy Alter and JJ Redick. He touched upon the subject of growing up without a mother.

He said, ”I grew up without my mother so I didn’t have the emotion that most kids would have. Well, how does that help me today? If I am in a negotiation, I don’t have any friends. As long as my client could sit out here, I can sit out here forever because I am not tied to anything.”

This attitude of Paul has helped him gain such heights. His resume now includes a 60 Minutes documentary where Draymond Green made huge assertions about James’ agent.

Draymond Green credits Paul for a revolution

Green has been a part of Klutch Sports since 2019. He spoke highly of the founder during the 60 Minutes interview. He said,” Most agents treat athletes as if the athlete works for them, but there’s a multi-billion dollar business going on around most athletes that they don’t understand. But they don’t have a Rich Paul to teach them, and that’s what’s special about it.”

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This endorsement of Paul rings loud in many NBA circles. His business model has changed the contract game in the NBA. That’s why all forms of NBA players are flocking towards him.

Thanks to his gritty attitude built through a rough childhood, he has been able to become a big voice in the league.

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