The 2011 veto of a proposed trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers remains one of the most controversial decisions in NBA history. At the time, the New Orleans Hornets were owned by the NBA, and then-Commissioner David Stern, who had the power to make such a move that would normally not reside with the league.

The basketball gods may have just granted the Los Angeles Lakers' biggest wish for the 2025 NBA offseason. The Purple and Gold have a glaring void to fill at the center spot, and a 27-year-old recent All-Star who plays that very position just appeared on the trade rumor mill.

The Lakers have a firm stance on Austin Reaves as they pursue centers options on the trade market this offseason.