Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak still mad at David Stern over Chris Paul trade

Dec. 2 2011; El Segundo, CA., USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak answers questions from the media during a press conference at the team training compound at the Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

In about a month, it will be two years since the Los Angeles Lakers traded for point guard Chris Paul.

Of course, before the trade was ever finalized, David Stern invoked his powers and declined the trade for ‘basketball reasons’. Stern has held strong in his position, suggesting that it was fellow NBA owners who expressed concern over the potential deal.

That may or may not be belieavle for the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office, which includes general manager Mitch Kupchak who is still less than thrilled over Stern’s decision to sveto the trade.

Kupchak was reflecting on Stern’s team as NBA Commissioner, which is set to conclude in February of 2014, but dropped a quick dig towards Stern before ending his interview:

"Kupchak also gave credit to Commissioner David Stern, who is retiring in February, for globalizing the NBA game, though Kupchak couldn’t resist one verbal jab.“He’s done so much for this [league with] his vision,” Kupchak said. “. . . We’ll miss him, with the exception of one moment.”“Have you forgiven him for that one moment?” asked Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz, moderating the event.“No I haven’t,” Kupchak answered."

Paul of course would later be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, adding insult to injury.

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