Chris Paul a “Real Possibility” to join the Lakers

by Jacob Romano

Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple reports, the Lakers are a potential landing spot for 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul.

NBA insider Marc Stein and Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus have both connected Paul to LA, citing his close relationship with LeBron and the strong possibility that he will be cut from the Warriors.

This report should bring a heavy amount of Deja Vu to Lakers fans. The New Orleans Hornets famously agreed to trade Chris Paul to the Lakers 13 years ago, only to have then-NBA Commissioner David Stern veto it. Fast-forward to today and the CP3-Lakers storyline has the chance to come full circle.

Paul is coming off his 19th season in the NBA, having averaged 9/4/7 on 44/37/83 shooting splits.

Widely considered to be one of the best point guards of all time, Paul has settled in as a rotational player at this point in his career who can still provide playmaking off the bench.

While Paul still has value on the Warriors’ roster, he has a whopping $30 million cap hit this upcoming season, making it much more likely that he will eventually be cut or traded.

If Paul is waived by June 28th, then none of his contract will be guaranteed for the Warriors.

While the Warriors may first attempt to use his contract in a trade, it is tough to envision any team trading assets for a 39-year-old Chris Paul with such a high cap hit.

Should he be cut, he would become an intriguing option for the Lakers on a veteran minimum deal or as part of their MLE budget.

Paul would fill the Rajon Rondo role for the Lakers, which has been missing since 2021. A strong veteran presence at the point guard position who can come off the bench and distribute the ball to the Lakers’ playmakers would certainly provide a lot of value.

He would also easily be the best passer AD has played with since Rondo, which could lead to many great pick-and-roll moments next season.

As many in the LakeShow know, the bench unit desperately missed someone who could run the offense last season. Gabe Vincent missed most of the season, and Spencer Dinwiddie was underwhelming in the Purple and Gold.

Paul could help fill that role and be a leader who holds the Lakers' younger players accountable.

However, there are also some negatives to consider with Paul, starting with an obvious one - his age. At this point in his career, he does not provide the scoring or defense to be a viable starting option for the Lakers.

While this may seem obvious, Paul would have to swallow his pride and be willing to accept a role-player spot with the Lakers.

Given his relationship with LeBron and JJ Redick—the betting favorite to be the Lakers’ next coach—it is possible that he gets elevated to a role that he is simply incapable of performing.

Additionally, Paul has been known to stir up trouble in the locker room, as he can be a tough personality to work with. The Lakers will have to consider if his personality is a fit with the younger players on the roster.

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