Anthony Davis, when he’s at the top of his game, is the best player on a team that features LeBron James. However, it wasn’t always this way. After his NBA arrival in 2012, Davis earned a spot on Team USA in his very first year, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey. However, following the Olympic gold, The Brow‘s days in the league wouldn’t find the same level of success. That is, until LeBron and his agent Rich Paul made some moves. 

The partnership between AD and The King didn’t materialize until 2019. Prior to that, Davis, much like LeBron in his early years, dedicated a significant portion of his career to a single team. Unfortunately, this franchise failed to assemble a competitive team around him. 

Rich Paul helped Anthony Davis to get past losing

The 41-year-old is undeniably one of the most successful agents in the NBA. During the 2023 offseason, Paul’s company, Klutch Sports, raked in nearly $900 million in contract negotiations. However, his methods have often drawn scrutiny from professionals, deeming them unethical and unwarranted. In a recent ’60 Minutes’ interview with CBS news, Rich Paul had the opportunity to address these criticisms with Bill Whitaker.

Rich Paul asserted that his primary aim is to empower players above all else. He argued that teams often demand loyalty from players while being willing to trade them away at a moment’s notice. The conversation shifted to Anthony Davis, whose story serves as a prime example.

In 2018, AD was at a personal low point in his career as he sought a chance to contend for an NBA championship. In the hopes of change, Davis hired Rich Paul as his agent.

Notably, The King, Rich Paul’s first and biggest client wanted to play alongside The Brow. And the main reason that the two share a jersey today, is the agent they have in common.

Shortly after Anthony Davis came under his representation, Rich Paul publicly expressed AD’s desire for a trade. It was a move that shocked fans and thrust Davis into the media spotlight; it also cost the star $50,000 as a fine.

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Nonetheless, in the end, Anthony Davis got what he yearned for—a change of scenery and an opportunity to compete for an NBA title.

The culmination of their efforts came in 2020. AD, alongside the Lakers, clinched the NBA championship in the unique setting of the bubble. Today, Davis is signed to a 5-year $270 million deal with the Lakers franchise.

Pelicans tried to get rid of Rich Paul

In his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis shone as an exceptional individual player.

Yet despite his brilliance, the Pelicans only made two playoff appearances during his tenure. Even more telling, they managed to secure just a single playoff series victory, highlighting the franchise’s struggle to construct a winning team around its star player.

As the 2019 free agency loomed, Davis and Rich Paul opted out of his commitment to the Pelicans.  Rumors swirled that some individuals within the Pelicans organization attempted to steer AD away from Paul. The Pelicans even issued an official statement to deter Rich Paul.

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“Relative to specific talks of a trade, we will do this on our timeline…We have also requested the League to strictly enforce the tampering rules associated with this transaction.”

The Pelicans were determined to ensure that Davis’ request did not lead to his exit. Nonetheless, the motivation of Davis and Rich Paul remained steadfast as they sought opportunities in greener pastures.