Speculation is emerging that NBA legend Chris Paul could take on a front office role with the Los Angeles Lakers, potentially marking an ironic next chapter in his storied career. This comes as a new ownership group, led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, is set to purchase the franchise from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion.
Iger, who is the CEO of The Walt Disney Company and a longtime Clippers season-ticket holder, stated that any plans for the Lakers' future are premature, as the agreement to purchase the team was finalized within the last three days. However, he confirmed that he and Kushner intend to honor an existing agreement for Jeanie Buss to remain as the franchise's governor for at least five years.
Despite Iger's cautious approach, reports have surfaced suggesting that Paul, who recently retired after a 21-year playing career, could be considered for a role in the Lakers' front office should changes occur. Paul and Iger have maintained a strong relationship since Paul's tenure with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017.
The possibility of Paul joining the Lakers in any capacity carries significant historical weight. Nearly 15 years ago, in December 2011, a trade that would have sent the then-26-year-old Paul to the Lakers to play alongside Kobe Bryant was famously vetoed. At the time, Paul was envisioned as a key player to build around for the Lakers during the latter part of Bryant's prime and into the 2010s. Instead, Paul revitalized the Clippers, the Lakers' cross-town rivals, while the Lakers entered a period of struggle until LeBron James' arrival in 2018.
If Paul were to join the Lakers, it would offer him an opportunity to contribute to a franchise he was once close to joining, albeit in a significantly different capacity. Sources within the league suggest potential fits for Paul in an executive role. One front office member from an Eastern Conference team indicated that Paul might initially excel as a consultant, offering his expertise as a 12-time All-Star to the organization. "Just comes down to commitment and how much he listens," the source told The Post. "Understanding [the] game at such a higher level goes such a long way."
Another league executive speculated that coaching might also be a viable path for Paul, given his leadership on the court and in the locker room throughout his playing career. "Such a student of the game, he’s used to leading on [the] floor and in a locker room," they told The Post. "Could just see it translating well, in my opinion."
Ultimately, the next steps for both Paul and the Lakers remain uncertain. However, the narrative of Paul potentially joining the Lakers, given their shared history, presents a compelling development for the legendary point guard and the storied franchise.