Chris Paul has emerged as a name to watch around the Los Angeles Lakers following the sale of the franchise to an ownership group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Speaking about the Lakers’ leadership structure, Shelburne identified Paul as someone who could have a role with the organization after recently retiring from the NBA. “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,” Shelburne said. “I don’t know what that means for him but I expect they’ll be talking.”
Paul retired after a 21-year NBA career and is now positioned to potentially move into an advisory, front-office or basketball-operations role. His relationship with Iger could make him a relevant figure as the Lakers transition to new ownership, although there is no indication yet that a formal position has been offered.
The ownership change comes as the Lakers have already committed to a new basketball direction. Los Angeles built its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves this offseason, while acquiring Walker Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade that sent out two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps.
Doncic was the Lakers’ leading scorer in 2025-26, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games. Reaves averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists in 51 appearances, while the Lakers finished fourth in the Western Conference at 53-29 before being swept by Oklahoma City in the second round.
The franchise also gave Reaves a four-year, $185 million extension and Kessler a four-year, $130 million contract, leaving limited draft and salary-cap flexibility for additional major moves. That makes organizational decisions around the existing roster particularly important as the new ownership group takes control.
The Lakers’ coaching structure also appears stable for now. Dave McMenamin reported that head coach JJ Redick received an extension after his first season, with the deal aligning his contract with general manager Rob Pelinka’s. “I think JJ Redick’s probably in a really good spot here,” McMenamin said, while adding that the situation could change depending on how the ownership transition develops.
The Lakers have yet to announce any formal role for Paul. Shelburne’s comments indicate that discussions could follow the ownership transition, with his relationship with Iger and basketball background making him one of the names worth monitoring.
