Speculation on LeBron James ' future seems to run rampant with every comment and every rumor, but Rich Paul's latest remarks seemed to quell the fire -- at least for now. Paul, speaking on the debut episode of the "Game Over" podcast he co-hosts with longtime sports analyst Max Kellerman, addressed both the Los Angeles Lakers ' ability to contend for a title this season and whether James will be on the team by the end of this season.

"I personally don't think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders right now -- not right now," said Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports and James' longtime business partner. "I don't think they have enough to get to the Western Conference [Finals]. I don't think they have enough to contend from that perspective right now."

The Lakers are 17-6 this season,

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