Rich Paul built a career representing others. Now he’s telling his own story, with the help of Jay-Z.

Paul, one of the most influential agents in the NBA, will publish his memoir, Lucky Me, with Roc Lit 101, the publishing division of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

Paul, originally from Cleveland, is the founder of Klutch Sports, an agency that has helped NBA players secure big contracts and develop personal brands. He represents LeBron James, who grew up just 40 miles away in Akron, as well as his Lakers co-star Anthony Davis, Lonzo Ball, John Wall, Draymond Green, and many others.

• United Talent Agency, a major Hollywood agency, invested in Klutch Sports in 2019, leading to an expansion into the NFL. 
• In 2020, Klutch bought Tidal Sports, bringing in MLB clients like Marcus Stroman and Keston Hiura.

Roc Lit 101 is an imprint of Random House. Paul joins CC Sabathia, Lil Uzi Vert, and Meek Mill as sports and cultural figures that have or will publish with the imprint.

“My long friendship with Rich aside, he has one of the greatest stories of growing up in America’s ghettos and overcoming adversity,” said Jay-Z.

It’s been a busy year for the rapper and entrepreneur, who sold half his champagne business to LVMH, and a majority share of his streaming service, Tidal, to Square. Roc Nation has an ongoing partnership with the NFL for entertainment and social justice initiatives.

LeBron James is officially taking his services to a new beverage company, a move first reported by Front Office Sports in January.

The 36-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar and PepsiCo announced a multiyear deal Wednesday. James will be the face of the soda giant’s new MTN DEW RISE energy drink.

King James’ nearly 18-year partnership with rival Coca-Cola — where he endorsed the Sprite and Powerade brands — ended last year, Front Office Sports previously reported. 

What we know about the James-Pepsi partnership and the new drink:

• PepsiCo declined to give specifics, but called it a “multiyear partnership” that will activate across other categories, including snacks.
• MTN DEW RISE will also work with several sports and wellness influencers. The brand plans to host virtual morning workouts at this month’s South by Southwest festival.
• The energy drink will be available in 16 oz cans in six flavors. 

James may eventually endorse Pepsi’s flagship cola brand, said sources. The deal may also integrate the Blaze Pizza chain, where James owns a 10% stake.

“When I first learned about the message behind the drink — the fact that every day is a chance to rise for all of us — that really resonated with me,” James said.

The San Francisco 49ers made eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. 

Entering his twelfth season in the league, Williams agreed to a six-year, $138.06 million contract that includes $55.1 million in guaranteed money along with a $30.1 million signing bonus. His career earnings before Wednesday were $108.3 million, per Spotrac. 

The deal follows Williams’ first season with the 49ers after a trade from the Washington Football Team that was fueled by a contract dispute and an alleged mishandling of his cancer diagnosis. Williams believed that Washington lacked urgency in response to his concerns about an enlarged growth on his head.

Before the agreement between Williams and the 49ers, David Bakhtiari was the highest-paid lineman, signing a four-year, $105.5 million extension in November with the Green Bay Packers. 

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys made quarterback Dak Prescott the highest-paid player in league history with a four-year, $160 million deal to stay in Dallas. The contract included $126 million in guaranteed money and a no-trade clause.

Williams was considered the best free agent available this offseason. The NFL’s “legal tampering period” started on Monday with the official opening of free agency on Wednesday, the start of a new league year.