Josh Kushner and Bob Iger officially bought a majority share of the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter this week, and the noise around their first big move? It’s all about Chris Paul. Seriously, Paul’s name is already popping up as someone who could be brought into the organization, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. This isn’t just a rumor, it’s a full-blown conversation among league insiders.
A Legend Returns? What New Ownership Wants
Look, Paul just wrapped a legendary 21-season career, going down as one of the best point guards ever. But it’s not just his on-court genius that makes him a target. He’s got a close friendship with Iger that goes back years. You gotta wonder, what kind of changes are these new owners thinking? This isn’t just about a fresh coat of paint, this is about a whole new direction, and bringing in a guy like Paul sends a massive signal. The questions about how Kushner and Iger will run the franchise are already flying, and Paul’s potential involvement is at the top of the list.
Consultant or Coach? The Role Debate Is Spicy
So, what would CP3 even do if he joined the Purple and Gold? Khobi Price, over at the California Post, got some intel from around the league, and the options are spicy. One front office honcho from an Eastern Conference team thinks Paul would initially fit best as a consultant. You know, someone the organization can just “pick the brain” of this 12-time All-Star. It makes sense, right? His understanding of the game is on a whole different level. But that same exec was real about it, saying it all “comes down to commitment and how much he listens.” Can a guy like Paul, who commanded every huddle, truly just consult? Another front office worker threw out an even wilder idea: coaching. Think about it. Paul was such a student of the game, led on the floor, in the locker room. That kind of leadership? It screams head coach material. They said, “Could just see it translating well, in my opinion,” adding, “But I could see either front office or coaching in his future.” That’s a tough choice for new ownership. Does he wear a suit or a whistle?
The Blocked Trade That Still Haunts L.A.
But here’s the kicker, the part that makes this whole thing feel like a movie plot: Paul was *supposed* to be a Laker once before! Back in December 2011, the team had a deal to get him from the New Orleans Pelicans. Imagine that! Then-commissioner David Stern, who was also the Hornets’ acting owner, swooped in and blocked the trade. Blocked it! The belief at the time was that Paul, only 26 years old, would have totally revived the Lakers’ chances at snagging another championship alongside Kobe Bryant in his final elite years. What a gut punch, right? Instead, Paul ended up with the Clippers that very month, and what did he do? He turned that franchise, which had been a league laughingstock for three decades, into a legitimate contender. He changed the entire identity of that team! Now, here we are, years later, and the Lakers are circling back. It’s almost poetic, isn’t it?
So, new ownership is in, Chris Paul’s name is being tossed around for consultant or coach, and we’re all looking back at that infamous blocked trade. The stakes for the Lakers’ new era are already sky-high, and if Paul actually joins the organization, it won’t just be a hire, it’ll be a statement. Get ready for some serious drama, because L.A. basketball never sleeps.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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