Back in 2011, superstar point guard Chris Paul was on the verge of becoming a Laker before the NBA commissioner vetoed the trade and routed Paul to the Clippers instead. To this day, it stands as one of the biggest ‘what-ifs’ in basketball history and a huge missed opportunity for fans to witness CP3 pair up with the legendary Kobe Bryant.
Now, roughly 12 years later, Paul is not nearly the same player he used to be, but the Lakers once again find themselves in a position to acquire the 12x All-Star. In many ways, the future is still uncertain for Chris, but league insider Jovan Buha did confirm today that signing with the Lakers is still a very real possibility.
“The Lakers would have strong interest in signing Chris Paul if the guard is waived or stretched by the Suns, multiple team sources told The Athletic,” wrote Buha. “Here’s what you need to know: Signing Paul to a veteran’s minimum contract would allow the Lakers to use one of their exceptions on another player to bolster their depth. Another option the Lakers have discussed is signing Paul and retaining D’Angelo Russell to truly solidify their point guard position, according to those sources.”
The Lakers have ‘strong’ interest in Chris Paul, per @jovanbuha
“Another option the Lakers have discussed is signing Paul and retaining D’Angelo Russell to truly solidify their point guard position, according to those sources.” pic.twitter.com/5sFXquFwA1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2023
The Lakers started this season 2-10, and it wasn’t until the trade deadline that things started to get better. Once Russell Westbrook was gone, and replaced with Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell, it raised the team’s ceiling dramatically and they never looked back.
Of course, we know how it ended for the Lakers this year so they will obviously need more if they want to make one last run with LeBron James.
How Can CP3 Help The Lakers?
With averages of 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game this season, Chris Paul is obviously far from the player he used to be. Even still, his ball handling and playmaking abilities would be a major boost for the Purple and Gold.
“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,” said Reggie Miller on Paul. “He understands how to run a team. He is not going to hurt you.”
The Lakers will not be the only team in pursuit of CP3. The Suns, Mavericks, and a whole host of other candidates will be in the mix for the 18-year veteran if he gets bought out.
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