Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel shared that NBA icon LeBron James’ crew – including Maverick Carter and Rich Paul – has “some of the most genuine” and “smartest people” he’s met.
Manziel also said that he’s very “fortunate” for the time that he was able to spend with them.
A first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Manziel had a short NFL career, spending just two seasons with the Browns. Manziel was a star in college, winning the Heisman Trophy while he played for Texas A&M University.
His time in Cleveland overlapped with James’ second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a tenure in which James led the franchise to four straight NBA Finals appearances and one NBA title.
James has clearly surrounded himself with great people as he’s navigated his historic NBA career. The Los Angeles Lakers star is playing in a record 23rd NBA season, and he’s already the league’s all-time leading scorer.
The four-time champion has navigated a lot of interesting decisions in his career, as he left Cleveland – his hometown team – earlier in his career to join the Miami Heat. There, he won two titles before returning home to win a title with the Cavs back in 2016.
James eventually left Cleveland for a second time, joining the Lakers in a move that has not only bolstered his brand, but helped him win another title in 2020.
Both Paul and Carter have been instrumental pieces in James’ journey, and Paul has become one of the most powerful agents in the NBA.
He will likely have his hands full with James this coming offseason, as the four-time league MVP is set to become an unrestricted free agent. James opted into the final season of his contract this past offseason, and he’s going to turn 41 years old this month. He could make a move to go to another franchise, retire or return to the Lakers in the 2026-27 campaign.
For now, the Lakers star is focused on helping his team win a title, as Los Angeles is off to a great start in the 2025-26 season, winning 15 of its first 19 games.
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