NBA Fans are again divided over the heated controversy surrounding sports agent Rich Paul. On Wednesday, reports on X swirled up that Paul had a heated moment with Reggie Berry, one of Austin Reaves’ agents, during a Lakers game, leading to Fans speculating on Paul’s future moves.
For starters, in the latest episode of Paul’s podcast, he made a trade proposal that will send Reaves to Memphis in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr., which, according to Paul, has “no business” with the Grizzlies’ rebuilding. Paul also argued that Reaves deserves better pay when his contract renews this year, claiming the Lakers wouldn’t be able to give.
Fast forward to Paul’s confrontation with Berry, NBA Fans gave insights on whether the famous agent deserves to stay with the Lakers.
One user, @Dashytwo, makes it clear that they want Paul, who manages Lakers superstar LeBron James, out of the team, writing, “Good, get rich Paul away from my organization.” However, some NBA Fans didn’t buy into the idea, not out of support for Paul, but because the agent has significant influence on the Lakers, given his relationship with James.
Ur a dumbass. He represents so many players. So then ur losing opportunity with any of those players as well. Sounds like a smart plan from a dumbass fan
— Tre’ (@TreDay608) January 14, 2026
Meanwhile, user @the1101 mentioned racial undertones behind Paul’s mock proposal, further heating up the argument. They posted, “Rich Paul can’t stand that a white guy is now better than LeBron and that’s why he wants him traded.”
User @analleline then claimed that Paul isn’t acknowledging the future of the Lakers when James retires, commenting, “Rich Paul just doesn’t want two pretty white boys running the Lakers after LeBron. Doncic and AR will be the face of the Lakers after Bron retires, ain’t shit he can do about it. He’s trying tho.”
NBA Fans were no strangers to how Reaves was fitting well with the Lakers this season, despite playing with two superstars, James and Doncic. It’s no wonder they were divided over Paul’s heated statement.
NBA Fans stress Rich Paul’s influence on the Lakers
Despite many NBA Fans not buying Paul’s proposal that will kick Reaves out of the Lakers, some Fans still showed concern about Paul’s influence not just with the organization, but on every player under his wing.
One user, @TreDay608, perfectly captured this particular NBA Fans’ sentiment, remarking, “Ur a d*mba**. He represents so many players. So then ur losing opportunity with any of those players as well. Sounds like a smart plan from a d*mba** fan.”
Good, get rich Paul away from my organization
— Dashy™️🦥 (@Dashytwo) January 14, 2026
While NBA Fans only know James as Paul’s best player, there are 30+ more, even outside the NBA, whom the agent manages. Fans are right: a plan to destroy his influence is nearly, or even, impossible.
