Despite his incredible individual resume and accomplishments, LeBron James remains a polarizing figure in the sports world. Whether it is because of the hype that the national media created for him starting in high school, or because of certain aspects of his personality or for other reasons, a sizable number of basketball fans love to dislike or even hate him.
According to Rich Paul, James’ longtime agent and friend, on a recent episode of his “Game Over” podcast, players are being pushed to sign with an agency other than Klutch Sports, the one he runs, because of the disrespect that is out there for James.
“Nobody is above critique,” Paul said. “LeBron’s not, I’m not, nobody is above critique. But I’m telling you, it’s a deeper thing. And I feel the effects of it because I’ve had NBA current players and former players involve themselves in a recruiting process with a kid is not their son, and purposely push a kid to a different agency because of their disdain for LeBron, and I’m his guy.”
Since starting Klutch Sports in 2012, Paul has built it into an agency that represents over 600 athletes across multiple sports, including NBA, WNBA, NFL and MLB players. Obviously, James has been the jewel crown client for the agency that has helped it grow, but it seems to make sense that if some around the NBA dislike James that much, they could advise others to stay away from Klutch Sports.
Perhaps one reason for the dislike of Klutch Sports is the fact that James’ son, Bronny, was signed by Klutch Sports to an NIL (name, image and likeness) deal in 2022 when the younger James was still a senior in high school. The younger James has been accused by some of being a “nepo baby,” especially as he has struggled to develop into a rotational player during his two seasons in the NBA.
But it appears that the agency will continue to be a major player in the world of athlete representation long after the elder James ends his pro basketball career.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: NBA players are told not to sign with Klutch due to LeBron hatred
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
