NBA owners typically play a more passive role on their teams, but it doesn't make them any less important. For a prestigious franchise like the Lakers , they need an owner who is passionate and dedicated to the cause to live up to their heightened standards.
So, with Mark Walter out and new owners stepping in , many fans are wondering what comes next in this period of transition. While the incoming owner provided very little in terms of a plan, we at least know that JJ Redick's job is safe after his second season with the team.
"JJ Redick got an extension after his rookie year as a head coach with the Lakers. My understanding is that it aligns his contract with Rob Pelinka's," reported ESPN's Dave McMenamin . "I think JJ Redick's probably in a really good spot here…but will have to see where all this goes."
Redick (42) was hired without any NBA coaching experience, and he's one of the youngest to ever hold the position. Lauded for his maturity, humility, and basketball IQ, he's had great success in Los Angeles with two straight years of 50-win seasons. While owners typically like to pick their own staff, it helps that Iger is familiar with Redick from his playing days on the Clippers (when Iger was a season ticket holder).
Amid a season of change for LA, keeping Redick is important to maintaining some continuity, but he's not the only one with connections to the new Lakers owners. According to another ESPN insider, longtime NBA veteran Chris Paul is a close friend of Iger's, raising the likelihood that he could be hired in some kind of official advisory role. It's certainly an unexpected twist, but not unwelcome in the eyes of Lakers fans, who have dreamed of his arrival since the vetoed trade in 2011 .
"There are a couple of names you should pay attention to: Chris Paul, a very close friend of Bob Iger's. He's sort of a mentor to Chris Paul. Chris recently retired," said Ramona Shelburne . "He's available, an incredible basketball mind. I don't know what that means for him, but I expect they'll be talking."
As an NBA legend with 21 years of experience, Paul has valuable wisdom to share, and his knowledge of the game could help the Lakers' front office make better decisions. At the very least, he could serve as a mentor/guide to some of the team's younger players. While there's no guarantee, the former point guard is fresh off retirement , meaning he's available to take on an official role with the team.
Ultimately, the Lakers are still early in the transition process, and the new owners are still processing their historic acquisition. As much as they are excited about the future, they are also focused on increasing the team's value with a period of success and prosperity. By all accounts, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are in this for the long haul, and their pockets run deep enough to give the Lakers endless resources. How they use those resources will define this era of the franchise, but there is confidence that better days are ahead.
