Lakers Rumors: Chris Paul to be Waived by Suns, Could He Sign With LA?
Not too long after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and the futures of multiple key players in LeBron James, D'Angelo Russell and more have been brought to question, a new name has emerged to potentially join the squad on a cheap deal.
Chris Paul, 38, is coming off of a very disappointing season with the Phoenix Suns in which they got knocked out by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs and Paul wasn't even able to finish the series due to injury.
Phoenix traded the house and more to land Kevin Durant and anything outside of a championship is a disappointment in their eyes. Paul has only been to the Finals once in his career and that was back in 2021 against the Milwaukee Bucks. His future with the franchise was very uncertain after their early exit and his questionable age/health.
However, news just broke that the franchise is set to waive the 12-time All-Star and rumors are flaring that his next stop is LA. Chris Hayne was the first to share the news.
BREAKING: Phoenix Suns have notified star Chris Paul that he will be waived, making the future Hall of Famer one of the top free agents this offseason, league sources tell @NBAonTNT@BleacherReport
The point guard position will be the most interesting one for LA to address this summer and names such as Trae Young and Kyrie Irving have been among the most popular options but their salaries make it difficult to do so.
Russell was able to bring forth new energy after the trade deadline and run the offense as a natural point guard. Imagine welcoming in one of the most experienced and respected leaders ever to step foot on a basketball court in his place.
Paul was still able to average 14 points and nine assists in his 2022-2023 campaign. He did this while not having Devin Booker on the court with him for a good chunk of the year and having to adjust to a whole new offense once Durant joined the party.
LeBron James has played with every single member of his 'Banana Boat' crew except Paul so that makes this very interesting. He has been teasing his retirement ever since LA got knocked out and maybe, just maybe, one of his best friends joining his current squad will motivate him to stay.
