The Los Angeles Lakers and their point guard conundrum continues. And it got a lot more interesting with Chris Paul in the mix.
Per Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Lakers are reportedly exploring a sign-and-trade possibility involving D’Angelo Russell and Paul. “Would Phoenix take Russell for Paul? The Suns held discussions with the Timberwolves regarding Russell prior to the trade deadline, sources told Yahoo Sports, before Minnesota found a new home for him with the Lakers. Phoenix also coveted Wolves center Naz Reid in trade talks, sources said.”
Fischer further added that Russell’s friendship with Devin Booker could help sweeten the deal.
“Plus, the Lakers are said to be exploring similar sign-and-trade possibilities with Russell. For Los Angeles and Phoenix, losing Russell by free agency or waiving Paul would sacrifice a $30 million salary slot that feels all the more precious while staring down a daunting new second tax apron in the league’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement.”
The analyst’s notes come after reports of some members in the Lakers’ front office wanting to re-sign Russell. This regular season, the guard averaged 17.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 6.1 APG for the Los Angeles Lakers. Those are still good numbers, but he faltered in the playoffs notching up just 6.3 points and 3.5 assists per game. After Kyrie Irving, it’s Paul now who is being heavily linked to LA.
Reggie Miller Believes Chris Paul Offers The Lakers More Stability
He might not be the same electric self that he was once, but Paul to the Lakers would benefit them massively, said former NBA star Reggie Miller.
Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, “You just want someone to stabilize and not beat you, make a timely wide-open shot, don’t turn the ball over, and be steady,” Miller said.
“He wouldn’t be one of those guys that are counted on to win games. He’ll be counted on not to lose games for you, I think. And unless at the end of the day, when healthy, he is an unbelievable floor general. He understands how to run a team. He is not going to hurt you.”
Injuries and inconsistency have derailed Paul’s career of late. This season saw him average 13.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 8.9 APG, and while they can surely be more if he indeed stays healthy, it remains to be seen if the Lakers will indeed sacrifice youth and potential for experience.
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