Rich Paul says Klutch clients face pushback from players over LeBron ties

Rich Paul is shedding light on something that rarely gets said out loud.

The Klutch Sports founder said current and former NBA players have steered young prospects away from signing with his agency, citing their feelings toward LeBron James.

“I’m telling you, it’s a different thing,” Paul said on the Game Over podcast. “I’m getting the effects of it because I’ve had NBA current players and former players involve themselves in recruiting a kid who’s not their son, and purposely push a kid to a different agency because of their disdain for LeBron and I’m his guy.”

Klutch has long been associated with James, its most prominent client, and has grown into one of the most powerful agencies in basketball.

Paul’s comments suggest that reputation may come with resistance in certain circles around the league.

It also offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of player representation, where relationships, perception and influence can shape decisions as much as contracts and opportunity.

Related | Luka Doncic still not close to return, with Thunder looming