Chris Paul is a serious trade target for the Lakers this summer.
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.
