(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
Today, Chris Paul is a member of the Golden State Warriors as well as one of the most celebrated NBA point guards of all time.
He has played for multiple teams during his years in the league and for one brief moment, it looked like he was going to suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers.
But the deal to send Paul from the New Orleans Hornets to the Lakers was vetoed by NBA Commissioner David Stern 12 years ago today.
Ballislife reminded fans about this infamous NBA moment on Friday morning.
12 years ago today, David Stern vetoed the Chris Paul to the Lakers trade.
6 days later, CP3 was traded to the Clippers for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu & a future pick (Austin Rivers) pic.twitter.com/SErBg5nZdB
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 8, 2023
At the time, the NBA itself owned the New Orleans Hornets, meaning they were more involved than they would be for any other trade.
Apparently, New Orleans general manager Dell Demps didn’t confer with Stern when he agreed to the package deal that would have sent Paul to LA.
That reportedly upsets other NBA teams, which led to the commissioner calling off the deal even though multiple news outlets were already reporting on it.
For Lakers fans, it was a crushing blow they still think of today.
“I’m never getting over this,” Jonny Arnett said on Twitter.
I’m never getting over this.
— Jonny Arnett (@JonnyArnett64) December 8, 2023
Some fans still hold a grudge against the late Stern for this move, which they felt was interference from the league to stop the Lakers from becoming a super team.
I’ll never forgive David Stern for this
— Masked Bandit 12/18 (@Nasty_Neighbor2) December 8, 2023
And there are many who want more insight into the entire situation, which is still shrouded in mystery all these years later.
People think that this situation would be a perfect plot for a great ESPN documentary.
this needs its own 30 for 30
— Gametime (@atl2vegas) December 8, 2023
Some people feel that this was Paul’s best chance to win a championship ring.
Indeed, playing alongside his friend Kobe Bryant would have increased the probability of him winning a Finals.
The only time he was going to win a title
— Lic.alexander Cáceres (@alexander293024) December 8, 2023
All of these years later, this is one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history and is still talked about and debated by many.
The post Fans Are Remembering An Infamous Failed Lakers Trade Today appeared first on The Cold Wire.