David Stern explains decision to veto Lakers' trade

Here's what NBA commissioner David Stern said in an interview this morning with Bloomberg: "The decision was taken that Chris Paul in New Orleans was more valuable than the trade that was being discussed. I don't want to speak on the basketball side, but that particular one was weighed against Chris Paul's continued presence in New Orleans.''

So, he used his authority as the de facto owner of the Hornets to block the deal? Or was he acting as the commissioner? Furthermore, does he intend to block any and all trades for Paul in the future? If so, how does that make the franchise stronger if Paul ends up leaving as a free agent at the end of the season and the Hornets get nothing in return?