“They’ll Be Talking”: New Lakers Owner Bob Iger Could Add Chris Paul, Says Ramona Shelburne

The Los Angeles Lakers are now under new ownership after former owner Mark Walter sold the team to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capital founder Joshua Kushner in a deal valuing the team at $12.5 billion.

Now that Iger is in charge, NBA insider Ramona Shelburne believes that NBA legend Chris Paul could be the next figure to join the Lakers. Shelburne noted the relationship between Paul and Iger. Given how CP3 is one of the most intellectual players we've seen in NBA history, it wouldn't be surprising if the new Lakers owner gave the legend a role on the team.

"There's a couple of names you should pay attention to: Chris Paul, a very close friend of Bob Iger's," Shelburne said on NBA Today. "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."

As for what that role may be, nothing is clear yet. Fellow league insider Dave McMenamin noted that the Lakers offered head coach JJ Redick an extension, suggesting the team isn't looking for a new coach anytime soon.

"JJ Redick got an extension after his rookie year as a head coach with the Lakers," McMenamin said on NBA Today. "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."

However, with a new owner running the show, it wouldn't be surprising if some major adjustments to the coaching staff were made.

Chris Paul Could Be Set to Return to NBA Soon

During the 2025-26 season, Chris Paul abruptly announced his retirement from the NBA. After 40 games of playing with the LA Clippers, the team decided to let him go due to internal problems in the locker room. The Clippers traded him to the Toronto Raptors, but his new team immediately waived him. Meanwhile, Paul couldn't manage to find a new team to play for.

With all that in mind, Paul declared that he was stepping away from the game on Feb. 13. After 21 seasons, it was sad to see one of the best pure point guards leave the NBA. However, CP3 will not be away from the league for long, after rumors that new Los Angeles Lakers owner Bob Iger is potentially bringing the legendary guard to the team in an executive role.

While nothing is set in stone yet, Lakers fans are now anticipating Paul's potential NBA return.