Report: LeBron James agent Rich Paul investigated by NCAA

Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

LeBron James' agent is being investigated for his relationship with University of Texas point guard Myck Kabongo, Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday.

Rich Paul, a long-time friend of James', met Kabongo through two of his clients, former Longhorns Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph. Thompson, Joseph and Kabongo are Toronto-area natives who attended Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev.

One of the things Paul is being investigated for is his role in Kabongo's trip to Cleveland this spring, Yahoo reports. On the trip, Kabongo worked out with a professional trainer. The trainer, New York-based Jerry Powell, said he worked out with Kabongo but didn't deal with Paul.

"At the end of the day, here's the main thing, it's no crime to have a relationship with the kid," Paul told Yahoo. "Of course I know Myck through Tristan and Cory. I haven't been contacted by the NCAA and I wouldn't put a kid in harm's way. My time in Cleveland was getting Michael Kidd-Gilchrist prepared for the draft. I live in Cleveland."

Texas basketball spokesman Scott McConnell told Yahoo he knew of the investigation but declined to comment on it.

The issue isn't that Paul had a relationship with Kabongo. That's allowed under NCAA rules. But he's not permitted to give or promise any benefits or money to college or high school players.

Paul left NBA power Creative Artists Agency last month to form his own group, Klutch Sports. Paul is a member of James' marketing group, accounting for one of the R's in LRMR.

Kabongo averaged 9.6 points and 5.2 assists a game for Texas last season.