Chris Paul and his playing career may be over, but his next NBA chapter could bring him back to Los Angeles in a major role.
The recently retired point guard has emerged as a potential addition to the Lakers’ front office following the franchise’s $12.5 billion sale to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Meanwhile, in projecting what a new Lakers front office could eventually look like, multiple sources around the league suggested to ESPN that the recently retired Chris Paul could have a role,” McMenamin wrote. “Paul and Iger became close while the point guard played for the Clippers and Iger was a season-ticket holder.
“Their relationship has only strengthened over the years, sources said, with Iger hosting a book launch event at his house in 2023 for Paul’s memoir, ‘Sixty-One,’ and Paul visiting Iger at his Disney office in Burbank, California, in March to support his friend when he cleared out his belongings to close out a 52-year run with the company.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne had also previously identified Paul as a name to monitor as the Lakers prepare for potential changes under their new ownership group.
Kushner and Iger agreed to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion, just 15 months after Walter acquired the franchise from the Buss family for $10 billion.
The latest transaction set a new record for the most expensive sports franchise sale.
Paul retired in February following a 21-year NBA career that included 12 All-Star appearances, 11 All-NBA selections and a place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
His final season came after returning to the Clippers, although the reunion ultimately ended with a difficult split between the two sides.
Now, Paul’s extensive experience could make him part of the Lakers’ next era off the court.
With Los Angeles building its future around Luka Doncic and a new ownership group taking control, Paul’s relationship with Iger has put the future Hall of Famer firmly in the conversation for a potential front-office position.
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