The Los Angeles Lakers emerged as a potential destination for veteran point guard Chris Paul. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers have a “strong” interest in Paul if the Phoenix Suns waive the 12-time All-Star.
The Suns already informed Paul that they intend to either trade him or waive him this offseason. If they can’t find a trade partner, the team is considering multiple scenarios.
One is to waive Paul and stretch the remaining $15 million guaranteed on his contract over several years, which would make the 38-year-old a free agent. The second option is to waive him and re-sign him to a smaller contract.
The Lakers would like to get Paul if he ends up being waived in the first scenario. The move would reunite him with his good friend LeBron James and give the Lakers a true point guard and a proven playmaker. However, it is unlikely that the LA team would go beyond handing Paul more than a veterans’ minimum.
Chris Paul is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro. He finished the 2022-23 campaign averaging a career-low 13.9 points per game while adding 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists. Paul also struggled to stay healthy, especially in the postseason, where he only played seven games as the Suns were bounced in the second round by the eventual champions Denver Nuggets.
