The latest rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and what they might do to reload and run in another NBA championship has them acquiring future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul.
One of the league’s best point guards and generals for the better part of the past 15 years, Paul is very good friends with LeBron James.
He is said to be involved in the blockbuster trade to land the Phoenix Suns Bradley Beal, and could be purchased or extended shortly after the deal is finalized.
Some have speculated that the Lakers will try to get Paul in the trade. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, they will only sign him if he becomes a free agent and is willing to sign the veteran’s minimum salary (h/t). Lakers Daily).
via Los Angeles Times:
“The Lakers would definitely have an interest in getting Chris Paul, but only for the veteran minimum.”
The article also mentioned how such a scenario would give the team enough salary cap flexibility to keep key players Austin Reeves and Roy Hachimura, as well as possibly D’Angelo Russell.
If he were to take that from the Lakers, that would be a good deal for the Lakers and let them keep Austin Reeves and Rui Hachimura maybe without hurting their salary cap. At 38, the question becomes how much CP is left in his body? And would he be willing to be a backup if the Lakers re-sign with him? D’Angelo Russell?
With Paul being 38 and his extensive injury history, relying on him, especially when production has also been in sharp decline lately, might be a bad idea. But bringing him to the podium in a decreasing role on the bench could work.