BY JOE KOTACHProBasketballDraft.com
Late into the night word began to spread that reigning MVP, Finals MVP, and Gold Medalist LeBron James had terminated his agent Leon Rose of CAA and would be joining Klutch Sports, a newly formed agency by Rich Paul.
James, the face of the league, has seen his popularity and likeability fluctuate greatly over the last two years with his decision to leave Cleveland and join the Miami Heat. While his decision did lead to a title, many around James say that he never anticipated the level of vitriol that would be directed at him. James was noticeably shaken being among the most despised players in the NBA when he arrived to South Beach.
For his part, Paul has largely been above the fray. A friend of James since he was at St. Vincent-St. Mary's, Paul is one of the R's in LRMR, James' management and marketing group.
While others around James opted to be reliant on him for income and opportunities, Paul chose a different route. When Maverick Carter staged a coup to consolidate power in James' decision-making circle, Paul left to join CAA and make his own path.
On the night of "The Decision", when most of James' circle and handlers were busy with the production side and other image related concerns, it was Paul who contacted the Cleveland Cavaliers and owner Dan Gilbert to inform them that James would be leaving for the Heat.
Since joining CAA, Paul has been their lead recruiter and a promising agent, who has handled Thompson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Eric Bledsoe, among others. Paul also is very tight with Chris Paul, a 2014 free agent.
