When Rich Paul — one of the most high-profile agents in the NBA — recently placed Austin Reaves in the same “tier” as players like Norman Powell and Desmond Bane, he didn’t just make a basketball comment — he lit a fuse under a segment of Lakers fans.
What Paul Actually Said
On the podcast “Game Over,” Paul explained that he doesn’t rank players strictly from best to worst, but rather organizes them by “tiers.” He put Powell, Bane — and surprisingly, Reaves — all in the same tier. Paul argued that while the best two guards (in his opinion) may be on the Olympic team, being outside that top group doesn’t mean players like Powell or Reaves aren’t “really good.”
He painted a picture where Reaves isn’t a franchise superstar level guard (Tier 1), but a solid “Tier 2” — a capable guard who plays important minutes but doesn’t carry a team the way elite stars do.
Why Lakers Fans Reacted So Strongly
For many Lakers supporters, that comparison felt like a dramatic undercutting of everything Reaves has built so far.
One fan on social media wrote: “Austin Reaves isn’t averaging 30 a night as a 3rd option to be compared to ‘Norman Powell’ bro.” Another snapped, “Has Rich Paul watched any games this season?”
Others were more blunt: “Norman Powell isn’t even in the same stratosphere as Austin Reaves,” one fan wrote. Another added: “Is bro high during this interview?”
Some even called for drastic reactions: “Bron needs to fire bro right now,” read one harsh tweet, echoing the frustration many feel.
Fans pointed out that Statistically, Reaves has had a breakout 2025-26 season: averaging strong numbers in scoring and playmaking, contributing to big wins, and elevating his presence on the floor night after night. For many, this output deserves more than just a “tier 2” label.
More Than Just Numbers — A Matter of Perception
But the issue isn’t just stats. For many supporters, this talk from Paul felt like a slight against Reaves’ role in the Lakers’ core — especially given his rise from undrafted player to key rotation piece. Paul’s framing suggested that even now, Reaves is merely a solid contributor, not a star or cornerstone. That narrative doesn’t sit well with fans who believe Reaves has earned audience’s respect and a higher status.
Moreover, some see Paul’s public comments as odd or even disloyal, given his close ties to the Lakers — and to legendary players on the roster. For fans, a comparison that seems to downplay Reaves’ growth felt like internal division spilled into public view.
The Bigger Picture — What This Says About Expectations
This entire reaction shows how high expectations are for Reaves and the Lakers. The fan base isn’t just hopeful — many believe this season could be a turning point. As Reaves performs at a high level, supporters want recognition that matches that growth. What some see as fair-tier classification, many Lakers fans see as undervaluation.
Meanwhile, Paul’s cautionary tone — urging realism about team composition, playoff chances, and role definitions — underscores a different perspective: one of pragmatism over hype. But when pragmatism clashes with fan optimism, it fires up debate.
Conclusion
Rich Paul dropping a comparison that grouped Austin Reaves with more modest players doesn’t just strike at stats — it hits at the heart of what many Lakers fans believe Reaves has become. For them, he isn’t just a “Tier 2 guard” — he’s part of the future. And by publicly putting him in the same category as other depth players, Paul didn’t just make an evaluation — he challenged a narrative, and fans pushed back hard.
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