Chris Paul could join Lakers front office

The Los Angeles Lakers’ new owners could turn to Chris Paul to serve a significant role in the team’s front office.

Paul has been named as part of a potential Lakers front office under the new ownership group headed by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Paul and Iger grew close when Paul played for the Los Angeles Clippers, where Iger was a season ticket holder.

Iger hosted a book launch event for Paul in 2023 when Paul wrote his memoir. Paul paid that back by visiting Iger at his Disney office when he was leaving the company.

While this is purely speculative, it does make sense that ownership might want their own man in the front office. For the moment, they appear willing to maintain the status quo, which involves Rob Pelinka being in charge of basketball matters. However, their statement confirming this left the door open to change down the road.

Paul has no ties to the Lakers, but he is freshly retired and still lives in Southern California. Iger could certainly choose to lean on him and his NBA knowledge after a two-decade career in the league. Plus, Paul has plenty of incentive to get back at the Clippers if he is afforded the opportunity.