Cameron Boozer's dad recalls renting his LA mansion to music legend

Former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer says one of the wildest stories from his playing days still follows him, and it involves music icon Prince turning his Bel Air mansion into a purple-themed sanctuary.

During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Boozer recalled renting out his home to Prince for roughly a year while recovering from a hamstring injury during his time with the Utah Jazz. Boozer was fresh into the NBA. He said the house was his first major purchase and was a fully decorated showpiece he took pride in.

That changed quickly. When Boozer returned to check on the property while undergoing rehab in Los Angeles, he walked into a completely transformed home.

“Everything is purple,” Boozer said. “Purple and black everywhere.”

According to Boozer, Prince had replaced expensive Italian decor with his own aesthetic, covered the home with images of himself and even converted the weight room into a nightclub complete with a DJ booth and dance floor. While Boozer admitted his kids thought the setup was “kind of cool,” he initially wasn’t as amused.

Prince was reportedly paying about $95,000 per month in rent and was difficult to reach while touring. Boozer said the artist never asked permission to make the changes, but ultimately restored the home to its original condition before moving out. That detail softened the frustration a bit. 

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Boozer added that he still has a signed photo from Prince commemorating the lease signing, though he joked a guitar might have been a better parting gift. 

Years later, the story continues to resurface and entertain. For now, his twins boys childhood home becomes a place of Purple Rain. Boozer will watch Cam and Cayden in the NCAA Tournament for Duke, which starts this weekend. 

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