The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2025-26 season scorching hot, having stacked a 17-6 record and sitting near the top of the West. However, even with the wins piling up, the noise around their title ceiling hasn’t slowed down. That noise got a lot louder when one of the most influential voices in LeBron James ’ circle put a ceiling on their season.

King James’ longtime agent and one of the league’s most powerful figures, Rich Paul, sparked a league-wide debate this week. So, he essentially stated that the Lakers are not legitimate contenders. The team, though, is rolling, won’t you say? Yet suddenly the conversation shifted from standings to skepticism. What’s more, James’ latest pick for his best season has ignited huge debate between his Miami and Cleveland years.

Former NBA ch

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