Lakers Still Plan To Get Into Chris Paul Bidding -- If He Makes It To Free Agency
Chris Paul and the Lakers have been linked together ever since 2011 when a trade that would have sent Paul to the team was vetoed by the NBA. Now in 2023, Paul is set to possibly be a free agent this summer and is once again being rumored to joining LA. Paul was recently dealt to the Washington Wizards by the Phoenix Suns but it's expected that Washington would either waive the veteran guard or help trade him to a contender.
The Lakers likely wouldn't make a trade for the former All-Star point guard but if he were to hit free agency, the team would be at the forefront to sign him. NBA Insider Marc Stein spoke about the Lakers plans in his latest substack.
“It is feasible to some unknown degree that the Lakers could elect to amend their plans and decide, in the end, that they do want to pursue Irving this summer,” Stein wrote. “But that would be a dramatic departure from the Lakers’ current Plan A, which calls for re-signing free agents Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura and trying to sign Chris Paul as a free agent should Paul make it to the open market in the wake of his inclusion in the Beal-to-Phoenix trade.”
Now if Paul is in the teams "Plan A", it would make a ton of sense. They would likely get his services for cheap due to him being waived and still being paid his salary from another team. Additionally, the on court fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be special. His ability to play both on and off ball would be beneficial to the Lakers, especially helping alleviate the load from James. He and Davis would also create a strong pairing with the pick-and-roll on offense as well.
Paul is also very close with James and the two have talked about teaming up previously. It's also a match made in heaven and could be very attractive for both sides. The Lakers need a point guard and Paul needs a contending team to play both.
Paul, is also rumored to be being chased by the Los Angeles Clippers as well. His family lives in LA and it is no secret around the league that Paul would prefer to be with one of the two Los Angeles teams.
If Paul would indeed come to the Lakers, it would be a full circle moment. He could provide a real upgrade at the position and give the team another strong voice in the locker room. General Manager Rob Pelinka has some choices to make, starting with how he wants to build this roster out.
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