40-year-old James still plays like 24! Fu Paul responds to trade rumors Barkley suggests playing without a ball

On July 15, Klutch Sports agent Ritchie Paul (Fu Paul)'s recent remarks about James' future caused an uproar. People speculated that the Lakers star might be seeking a deal. Some reporters even revealed that the Cavaliers, Warriors, Clippers and Mavericks have all contacted Ritchie Paul to express their interest in James. Now, Ritchie Paul also responded to related topics in an interview with radio.

"There are so many voices in the game and around the game, and there are media and so on," Ritchie Paul said. "Everyone has his own job to do. For us, hey, let those people do their job well. We don't have to refute, and we don't have to clarify what is true and what is false. This is not the focus of our attention. The point is, hey, man, enjoy this summer." Ritchie Paul said, "That's what we think about it, I just told LeBron, 'Enjoy this summer.' Since he entered the league, he has been in the league. A fascinating wealth and role model, I want to say that he is an amazing ambassador. Sometimes you have to let the hustle and bustle fend for themselves, and we won’t pay attention to it. I have no new news to be announced, and there is nothing to disclose. The conversation between Dave (ESPN Lakers reporter) was really just a normal chat, without any strategy or anything, just a simple communication. I mean, look, this guy is 40 years old and he still plays like he is 24 years old."

Paul then reiterated that he would not take the time to "dispel" all kinds of rumors from the outside world, and mentioned the huge "expectations" surrounding James. He stressed that there is a need to "continue to find fun" instead of focusing on proving that everyone is wrong, because criticism always exists. This applies to all players, not only to James, but it is particularly important for the Lakers star.

James' recent moves undoubtedly exacerbated the media hustle and bustle, including his dressing choices, social media posts, and appearances in the Cavaliers' training hall. He also made headlines for refusing to be interviewed by ESPN in the Summer League.

Obviously, the Lakers have gradually regarded Doncic as the team's new facade. No matter how the outside world talks about it, speculation about James's trade will continue. But for now, James remains a member of the Lakers, and he will receive a $52.6 million salary in the 2025-26 season due to his execution of the player option.

As the outside world speculates about the possible changes in the Lakers' lineup in the near future and the future of James after the next season, NBA legend Barkley expressed his views on the star combination of Los Angeles.

"James is on the downhill of his career. In the long run, this is Luca's (Doncic) team," Barkley said. "But to be honest, the problems they face are more difficult than the situation of these two players. They have to worry about the Thunder, the Rockets and the Nuggets. The Lakers will be a good team, but all competition in the West will start with the Thunder, the Rockets and the Nuggets."

Considering James' playing style, Barkley believes that the Lakers' approach to let Doncic control the ball in the 2025-26 season is obvious during the team's core handover.

"It's easy for LeBron because he can play off the ball," Barkley said. "When you're a great player and the team brings in other great players, you have to learn to play off the ball. Luca has a big advantage because he has to hold the ball in his hand. LeBron is such a great player, he can adapt to the off ball. That's one of the reasons they can achieve such a seamless connection."