Once news broke that Josh Kushner and Bob Iger had agreed to purchase a majority share of the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter this week, questions arose about how they would run the franchise. Part of that speculation has to do with any immediate or quick changes that could be made.
Chris Paul, the 12-time All-Star and recent NBA retiree, is reportedly a name to watch in this context. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Paul has had a close friendship with Iger that goes back a number of years.
The Lakers were once supposed to have Paul on their roster. In December 2011, the team agreed to acquire him from the New Orleans Pelicans, only for that trade to be blocked by then-commissioner David Stern. Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers instead, where he helped turn the team into a competitive force.
Paul's playing career was marked by his leadership and high level of basketball IQ. A front office member on an Eastern Conference team told the California Post that Paul could be a consultant, leveraging his expertise to inform the Lakers' decision-making process. "Just comes down to commitment and how much he listens," the front office member said.
Another front office worker suggested that Paul could transition into a coaching role, citing his playing career accolades. "Such a student of the game, he's used to leading on the floor and in a locker room," they said. "Could just see it translating well, in my opinion." They added: "But I could see either front office or coaching in his future."
It's unclear how much interest Paul has in joining the Lakers organization. However, if he were to be hired, his unique combination of playing experience and basketball knowledge could be a valuable asset. As one front office member noted, "Understanding the game at such a higher level goes such a long way."
The Lakers' new ownership group is likely to explore all options in their quest to revamp the franchise. With Paul's potential involvement, the team could be looking at a more experienced and knowledgeable presence in the front office or on the sidelines. The possibilities are endless, and only time will tell what the future holds for the Lakers and their new ownership.
Source: Yahoo Sports