Even though free agency is still a few weeks away, players like Warriors point guard Chis Paul are already being linked to the Lakers.
Both teams will surely be different coming into the 2024–25 season after the Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs and the Warriors collapsed in the play-in round.
In his most recent newsletter, veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein hinted that if Chris Paul becomes a free agency this summer, he might finally sign with the Laker organization.
“If Chris Paul of the Warriors becomes a free agency this offseason, the Spurs and the Lakers are the teams that keep coming up as possible suitors. The idea that Paul will sign with the Lakers is supported by his long-standing friendship with LeBron James and his well-known wish to remain as close to his family in Los Angeles as possible.
On June 28, if Golden State does not waive Paul or if the Warriors trade him to a team that chooses to keep him, Paul’s $30 million salary for the upcoming year becomes completely guaranteed. According to league insiders, the Warriors are presently considering those possibilities.
Paul has a long history with the Lakers, dating back to his controversial trade with the team that was approved by former NBA Commissioner David Stern and ultimately led to Paul’s acquisition by the Clippers.
Although the Lakers won’t receive that version of CP3, they will receive a functional backup. In 58 games as a member of the Warriors, he put up 9.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on average.
As per Stein’s story, the Warriors will make a decision on June 28 about whether to waive him or keep him and pay the $30 million. Thus, it’s something to watch, but only in theory, till the matter is resolved.
Even so, Paul is a shell of his former self and the Lakers could always use a net-positive guard. The majority of players who will be available as backups are inferior than even a poor Paul.
This summer, Los Angeles has a lot of things to focus on, like a new head coach, LeBron James’ contract predicament, and an impending draft.
Although it’s not the team’s top priority, the acquisition of a backup guard is nonetheless something the team would like to strengthen. If Paul has a season similar to his one with the Warriors, he may achieve that with the Lakers.
