Report: Hornets offer GM job to former Lakers boss Kupchak

In his 30-plus years with the Lakers organization, Mitch Kupchak worked with some of the greatest talents in NBA history -- both on the court and in the front office.

Now it appears he has the chance to work for perhaps the greatest basketball talent ever. As for the talent on the court, however? That's exactly why Michael Jordan wants Kupchak.

The New York Times' Marc Stein reported Monday morning that the Charlotte Hornets, owned by Jordan, have offered Kupchak their general manager position. Citing league sources, Stein reported that team officials "are confident they can soon seal a deal with the longtime former Lakers executive."

Kupchak, 63, was a first-round pick by the Washington Bullets in 1976 and was a part of three championship-winning teams in Washington and Los Angeles. But it was his career in the front office where he really earned his reputation.

Starting in 1986, he worked in Lakers management under Hall of Fame player and then-Lakers general manager Jerry West. Kupchak gained the powers of a traditional GM in 2000 upon West's departure and ultimately oversaw five championship teams.

His most celebrated move as GM was likely the trade which landed the Lakers Pau Gasol to pair with Kobe Bryant and led to two NBA titles and three straight trips to the NBA Finals.

The Lakers fired Kupchak in February 2017 amid a front-office shakeup.

In February of this year, the Hornets announced they are parting ways with GM Rich Cho at the end of the season. The club made the playoffs two seasons ago but won 36 games last season and is on pace to win the same number of games this season.

Kupchak was reported to be the leading contender to land the job as soon as the news of Cho's imminent dismissal broke.

--Field Level Media