LeBron James Isn’t Leaving LA Only Due to “Incredible Partner” Jeanie Buss, per Rich Paul

The NBA World went into a frenzy after they found out that LeBron James could have become Stephen Curry’s teammate at the February 8 trade deadline. According to several reports, the Golden State Warriors made an offer to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to acquire the 4-time Champion. Buss declined the trade offer from Joe Lacob and asked him to consult LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul.

Paul also declined the Warriors’ offer, as LeBron was not interested in leaving LA. Hours after the blockbuster news, Rich Paul made an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show to shine more light on the incident. Paul revealed that LeBron does not have any plans of leaving the Los Angeles Lakers right now. “He’s committed to the Lakers.” The Klutch Sports CEO complimented LeBron’s relationship with Jeanie Buss and how that affected his decision to stay in LA. “Jeanie has been an incredible partner for him and us.” Paul said.

Although there have been some ups and downs in LeBron’s Lakers journey, he is “more than happy” being a part of the Purple and Gold. According to Paul, Jeanie has made sure to make LeBron’s stay in LA as comfortable as possible. While Paul sang praises of Jeanie Buss, he did not mention Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. That could signal at the hampered relationship between Pelinka and LeBron. Despite revealing LeBron’s love for the Lakers, Rich Paul confirmed that an offer was made by the Warriors to team him up with rival Stephen Curry. That would have been a dream duo for many fans, but LeBron and the Lakers were not ready to take that step.

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Can LeBron James win his 5th Championship this season?

Following the trade talks, Rich Paul appreciated LeBron’s work ethic and love for the game even at age 39. He claimed there is a lot of pressure on LeBron to win every year, but that is an “unrealistic” expectation from any superstar. Paul just wants King James to enjoy the later stages of his career. Had LeBron teamed up with Steph, that might have guaranteed a 5th Championship for both superstars. But with the offer off the table, King James will have to pursue that goal wearing a Lakers uniform. With the way LeBron is playing in his 21st season, he might even do the unthinkable and win his 5th ring this year.

After an abysmal run in January, the Lakers have turned things around this month. They are 5-1 in February and are sitting comfortably in the 9th spot of the Western Conference standings. LeBron has been balling out all season, averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds. If the Lakers stay healthy for the rest of the season, there is a legitimate chance of them lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Do you think LeBron will win his 5th title this season, or will his decision to decline the Warriors’ offer come back to haunt him?

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