Chris Paul Rumored to Be Joining Lakers After Bob Iger Becomes Co-Owner

After ownership change, Chris Paul could join the Lakers after ending his NBA career this past season.

Chris Paul Rumored to Be Joining Lakers After Bob Iger Becomes Co-Owner

Chris Paul (Image credits - BBC)

Chris Paul is a name that has come up after the Los Angeles Lakers got a new ownership group. Josh Kushner and Bob Iger bought majority stakes and took over the organization for $12 billion. The whole deal was completed in just three business days.

Lakers ownership changed hands last year when Jeanie Buss sold the team to Mark Walter for $10 billion. Just a year later, Iger and Kushner made an offer that Walter could not decline. The ownership duo emerged as one of the leading candidates to own a team in the NBA’s expansion plans for Las Vegas, but they changed their plans after Walter was ready to sell the Lakers.

NBA Insider for ESPN, Ramona Shelburne, spoke about Paul’s relationship with Iger, which could lead to Paul possibly landing a role within the Lakers.

There’s a couple names you should pay attention to: Chris Paul, very close friend of Bob Iger’s. He’s sort of a mentor to Chris Paul. Chris recently retired. He’s available, incredible basketball mind. I don’t know what that means for him but I expect they’ll be talking.

Ramona Shelburne on NBA Today

There is a lot of optimism in the Lakers camp after the change of ownership. Stephen A. Smith heaped praise on Iger and labeled him as the “Michael Jordan of Executives” after he took over the esteemed organization. Even Luka Doncic showed excitement and spoke about building something special under the new ownership.

Chris Paul almost joined the Lakers in 2011

There is no doubt that Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards to ever play in the NBA. He made a name for himself during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers – crosstown rivals of the Lakers. He announced his retirement in the middle of last season after an unceremonious ending to his illustrious career.

Chris Paul
Chris Paul could have joined the Lakers in 2011 (Image credits – Bleacher Report)

He was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005. In 2011, he was traded to the Clippers. However, prior to the move, the Hornets agreed to a three-team trade sending the 12-time All-Star to the Lakers.

Unfortunately, the deal was nullified by the then-NBA Commissioner, David Stern. He claimed it would be better for the Hornets to keep Paul. The move would have seen Paul join forces with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who was fresh off back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.

15 years later, it looks like Paul may finally end up joining the Lakers but not as a player. Considering Iger shares a strong relationship with Paul, it would be a full-circle moment for the 41-year-old if he joins the purple and gold in a front office role.

JJ Redick is in a good spot right now after the ownership change

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has done a fine job so far since taking over the organization in 2024. While he has won just one playoff series in two years, he joined an elite list of Lakers head coaches to record 50 wins in consecutive seasons.

However, even after the ownership change, Redick’s job appears secure for now, according to NBA insider Dave McMenamin.

“JJ Redick got an extension after his rookie year as a head coach with the Lakers. My understanding is it aligns his contract with Rob Pelinka’s…I think JJ Redick’s probably in a really good spot here…but will have to see where all this goes.”

Dave McMenamin on NBA Today

The Lakers are entering a new era after the departure of LeBron James in the offseason. With Luka Doncic becoming the face of the franchise, Redick will need to translate his regular season success into the postseason next year.

McMenamin believes that Redick’s position is in safe hands, as Iger is a huge Clippers fan and was a season-ticket holder when Redick played for them. A huge season awaits Redick and his men.

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