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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A new Los Angeles Lakers rumor suggests Chris Paul could end up getting a prominent role in the organization because of a close friendship with one of the team’s new owners.
The Lakers are not just one of the most well-known NBA brands in the United States. It is one of the most established on the planet. That is why it wasn’t a big surprise when investment fund billionaire Mark Walter added the team to his portfolio last year for $10 billion. A team owner eventually selling that investment is always a possibility. However, no one expected Walter to do so a little over nine months after taking over the organization.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne broke the news on Wednesday that Walter is selling the Lakers “to American businessman Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking price of over $12 billion.”
Over the last 24 hours, there has been a lot of speculation about why the sale happened and the possible changes that could come to the Lakers front office in the months ahead. Well, on Thursday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed the possible addition of one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
“In projecting what a new Lakers front office could eventually look like, multiple sources around the league suggested that the recently retired Chris Paul could have a role. 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.”
– Dave McMenamin
What could Chris Paul’s role with the Los Angeles Lakers be?
McMenamin’s report adds that the 75-year-old hosted a book launch event for Paul’s memoir, “Sixty-One,” two years ago at his home. Also, the NBA legend visited the former Disney CEO at his office in Burbank, CA, to support him as he was clearing out his belongings after his 52-year run with the company came to an end in March. This is clearly a serious friendship and not two men who are pals in passing.
It means that Paul is unlikely to get a small role as an ambassador or special assistant. The 11-time All-NBA player also probably has lofty goals for his post-playing career and likely wants to be a difference-maker if he works in an organization’s front office.
Paul probably isn’t going to take on the grind of being a scout or a talent evaluator. He is sure to get a more prominent role. That is why Iger, who will reportedly have a bigger day-to-day role with the team than Kushner, might push to make his close confidant an assistant general manager to Rob Pelinka.