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The Los Angeles Lakers could add one of the NBA’s most respected basketball minds to their front office following the franchise’s record-setting sale.
Recently retired point guard Chris Paul could eventually have a role with the Lakers because of his close relationship with incoming owner Bob Iger, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Multiple sources around the league suggested to ESPN that the recently retired Chris Paul could have a role,” McMenamin wrote.
Paul and Iger reportedly became close while Paul played for the Clippers and Iger held season tickets. No formal position or agreement has been reported, making Paul’s possible involvement something to monitor rather than a confirmed addition.
Paul retired after 21 NBA seasons as one of the most accomplished point guards in league history. The 12-time All-Star also earned 11 All-NBA selections and nine All-Defensive selections while establishing himself as a respected leader across the league.
His experience extends beyond what he accomplished on the court. Paul served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, representing players during negotiations with team owners and league officials.
Mar 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guardChrisPaul(3) reacts against the Los AngelesLakersin the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That background could make him an intriguing candidate for a basketball operations, player relations or advisory position. Paul understands roster construction from a player’s perspective and has built relationships with stars, executives and agents throughout his career.
His arrival would also add a new voice to a Lakers organization entering a dramatically different era.
Paul has been connected to the Lakers for more than a decade, although he never played for the franchise.
Nov 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los AngelesLakersguard Austin Reaves (15) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guardChrisPaul(3) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In December 2011, the Lakers agreed to acquire Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in a three-team trade involving the Houston Rockets. The deal was blocked by then-NBA commissioner David Stern, who was acting on behalf of the league-owned Hornets.
Paul was traded to the Clippers days later and helped transform L.A.’s other team into a consistent playoff contender. He remained with the Clippers for six seasons before playing for Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State and San Antonio.
A potential front-office role would finally place Paul inside the Lakers organization, even if it comes long after his playing career ended.
Iger and Josh Kushner agreed to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter for a reported $12.5 billion, a transaction that would set a record for a professional sports franchise. The sale still must complete the league’s approval process.
Major ownership changes often lead to questions about organizational structure, but there has been no indication that Paul would replace president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka or immediately take control of personnel decisions.
For now, Paul represents a compelling possibility. His connection with Iger, leadership history and understanding of modern players could make him a valuable addition as the Lakers begin another major transition.
Continue reading...
Recently retired point guard Chris Paul could eventually have a role with the Lakers because of his close relationship with incoming owner Bob Iger, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Multiple sources around the league suggested to ESPN that the recently retired Chris Paul could have a role,” McMenamin wrote.
Paul and Iger reportedly became close while Paul played for the Clippers and Iger held season tickets. No formal position or agreement has been reported, making Paul’s possible involvement something to monitor rather than a confirmed addition.
A natural front-office candidate
Paul retired after 21 NBA seasons as one of the most accomplished point guards in league history. The 12-time All-Star also earned 11 All-NBA selections and nine All-Defensive selections while establishing himself as a respected leader across the league.
His experience extends beyond what he accomplished on the court. Paul served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, representing players during negotiations with team owners and league officials.
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Mar 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guardChrisPaul(3) reacts against the Los AngelesLakersin the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That background could make him an intriguing candidate for a basketball operations, player relations or advisory position. Paul understands roster construction from a player’s perspective and has built relationships with stars, executives and agents throughout his career.
His arrival would also add a new voice to a Lakers organization entering a dramatically different era.
A connection that never happened
Paul has been connected to the Lakers for more than a decade, although he never played for the franchise.
You must be registered for see images attach
Nov 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los AngelesLakersguard Austin Reaves (15) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guardChrisPaul(3) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In December 2011, the Lakers agreed to acquire Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in a three-team trade involving the Houston Rockets. The deal was blocked by then-NBA commissioner David Stern, who was acting on behalf of the league-owned Hornets.
Paul was traded to the Clippers days later and helped transform L.A.’s other team into a consistent playoff contender. He remained with the Clippers for six seasons before playing for Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State and San Antonio.
A potential front-office role would finally place Paul inside the Lakers organization, even if it comes long after his playing career ended.
Iger and Josh Kushner agreed to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter for a reported $12.5 billion, a transaction that would set a record for a professional sports franchise. The sale still must complete the league’s approval process.
Major ownership changes often lead to questions about organizational structure, but there has been no indication that Paul would replace president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka or immediately take control of personnel decisions.
For now, Paul represents a compelling possibility. His connection with Iger, leadership history and understanding of modern players could make him a valuable addition as the Lakers begin another major transition.
Continue reading...
