LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul doesn’t feel the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to make a championship run in what could be his client’s final NBA season.

Paul said on Monday’s first episode of his new podcast Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul he personally doesn’t “think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders right now.”

“I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals,” Paul said about the 44:45 mark of the podcast. “I don’t think they have enough to really contend, from that perspective.”

Paul’s assessment of the Lakers is especially notable given that he said in a June statement provided to ESPN’s Shams Charania that James “wants to compete for a championship” and “wants to make every season he has left count.”

“He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all… We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” Paul said in June.

When Kellerman asked in Monday’s episode if James would be playing for another team by the end of the season, however, Paul said, “No.”

“Where’s he going to go?” Paul asked.

Kellerman then asked Paul if he believed there was “anyone who could talk LeBron” into waiving his no-trade clause to join the New York Knicks.

“I mean, listen, he definitely makes them better. I will give you that,” Paul answered.

James, who will turn 41 later this month, is currently set to hit free agency next spring following the expiration of his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

He has missed 16 games so far this season due to injuries. When available, he’s averaging a career-low 16.1 points per game, although the Lakers are 6-1 with him in the lineup.

The Lakers could look to add some depth at the trade deadline in order to bolster their roster around Luka Dončić, especially if James is forced to miss more time down the stretch of his 23rd NBA season.

This winter’s trade market could feature a few notable players from New Orleans, where NBA insider Jake Fischer recently said opposing teams believe the Pelicans have “some type of willingness” to listen to offers for Herb Jones and Trey Murphy.