Why Did Agent Rich Paul Restrain $100M Warriors Star From Teaming Up With Childhood Buddy LeBron James at Lakers?

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking solid this year. And all credit goes to the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. He did an excellent job in assembling a much younger squad than what they had last season, with the oldest player being James himself. In fact, the rest of the squad is a talented group of younger players who look forward to fighting for the championship this season. On the other hand, the Lakers landed two stars from the 2023 draft class.

As the possibility of James’ union with his good friend turned nearly impossible this season, the 33-year-old superstar reveals the reasoning behind skipping the chances.

LeBron James’ friend and agent Rich Paul talked sense in the Warriors’ star

Following Golden State Warriors‘ exit from the playoffs, Stephen Curry went to work on his other passion, golf. But another star player was caught in speculation. The Warriors forward Draymond Green and the chances of him joining his good friend LeBron James in the Los Angeles Lakers. The rumors started fire after Green denied the contract extension with the team and declared himself a free agent.

However, free agency brought a new opportunity for him, and his agent Rich Paul delivered a $100 million contract extension for him. But that was not all. Recently Green appeared on former Los Angeles Lakers player Patrick Beverley’s podcast offering a deeper insight into what went behind the scenes.

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On the podcast, Green credits his agent, Rich Paul, for helping him strike a balance between professional success and team building. He asserts that most agents prioritize pursuing the biggest paydays, while Paul had a different strategy. Paul’s primary goal in contract discussions was to keep Green with his present squad, despite the fact that other options offered much higher pay. “For me, one person who really helps me keep the context of all of that is Rich [Paul]. Most agents I think chase the book… like they chase the most money that they can get.”  Green said.

Paul emphasized the value of loyalty and the significance of the team’s condition in defining Green’s legacy, despite the allure of an additional $10 million per year. “And what I can appreciate about Rich, even as this negotiation came down. His number one priority was to keep me down there. And he made it very clear to me…” Green added.

Has Draymond Green made the right choice?

Green belongs to the 2012 draft class, which saw players like Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, Andre Drummond, and Khris Middleton. Among these all-star players, no player has won more championships than Green. Winning 4 championships and almost missing on the 2016 NBA Finals MVP chance, the star forward has an impressive resume.

In the interview, Green went further to credit Rich Paul, and how he had really emphasized the idea of legacy. He also credits his agent to help him stick with his current team, GSW, and the impact it would have on his career and the team.

“I had other opportunities that would have paid me more money. He made it very clear to me how important loyalty is, and how important the situation that you’re in is. ‘Rich said, we’re gonna get you paid, but your legacy is more important’.” Green added.

It seems the star agent Rich Paul gave sound advice to him. If he stays with the Warriors until the end, he could be among the select few players who retired on the same team that drafted them.

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What’s your take on Green’s appreciation for his agent? Let us know in the comments below!