The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for any way to improve this summer, and Chris Paul may be part of their long-term plans. According to NBA insider Eric Pincus, the veteran point guard has emerged as a realistic option for the franchise as they head into a summer of great uncertainty.
“I would be remiss without mentioning Chris Paul is a real possibility,” said Pincus. “There is a reasonable chance he gets traded or just cut by the Warriors. He and LeBron obviously have a close relationship. There is a universe where the Lakers sign Chris Paul. It makes a lot of sense to me. Is Chris coming for the minimum? I don’t know. I don’t want to say he comes cheap to the Lakers, but in the absence of a better offer I could see that.”
Chris Paul, 39, just finished his 18th NBA season and is set on continuing his career for the 2024-25 campaign. After averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game on 44.1% shooting for the Warriors, Paul proved that he can still contribute on a win-now team and he still brings a lot to the table as a playmaker, ball handler, and culture setter in the locker room.
Currently under contract through the 2024-25 season, Paul is still guaranteed another $30 million before his deal expires and the Warriors would either have to trade him or buy him out in order to get his contract off the books. The Lakers, while they have somewhat limited assets, could make an offer if he becomes available in trade or free agency and they have plenty of room in the backcourt for his experience, leadership, and basketball IQ.
Ultimately the decision is up to Rob Pelinka. As the President and GM of Basketball Operations, he has full control over roster moves, and committing a roster spot to a massively declined Chris Paul may not be the most advantageous decision for the franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers Have Big Plans This Summer
Coming into the summer, the Lakers were facing a lot of questions about their future. From LeBron James to head coach Darvin Ham, nobody was sure who would be back for next season and there’s been a sense of uncertainty looming over the team since they lost to the Nuggets in round one.
Now that it’s known LeBron James will almost surely return to the Lake Show this summer, their plans to improve have intensified. Amid a head coaching search, they are also planning their approach for several potential “sweepstakes” this July, including Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and even Jarrett Allen.
With the potential to strengthen the Lakers’ backcourt depth and add maturity to the locker room, Chris Paul could be part of the scheme and his impact could be huge given his history of success with the Hornets, Clippers, Thunder, and Suns.
Alongside his longtime friend LeBron James, the Lakers may be able to get the most out of Paul — or, at the very least, to make use of his leadership and experience as a voice in the locker room. For now, with another year left on his deal, the Warriors still control Paul’s fate and they aren’t going to let him go without good reason.
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