The Los Angeles Lakers may finally be the team to complete the story that started nearly 15 years ago. With veteran point guard Chris Paul officially a free agent and reportedly “determined” to play closer to his home in Los Angeles, the Lakers have emerged as a frontrunner to land the future Hall of Famer for what could be the final season of his storied career.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Paul has prioritized family and lifestyle over basketball fit in free agency.
"Chris Paul would be another Mavericks target, but there's a growing belief that he's determined to play closer to his home in Los Angeles if he indeed comes back for a 21st season."
With Paul’s family rooted in L.A. and his children now entering their teenage years, the Wake Forest legend is seeking a homecoming more than a high-seed guarantee.
And the Lakers make perfect sense.
LeBron James is still in Los Angeles. Paul, his longtime friend and fellow Banana Boat brother, has never shared the court with him, despite years of speculation and a famously vetoed trade in 2011 that would’ve sent CP3 to the Lakers in his prime. Now, 14 years later, that move may finally become a reality, just in time for one last dance.
The Lakers are also searching for a steady hand to guide their reshaped backcourt. After trading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic at the trade deadline, the Lakers became a guard-led team. Luka averaged over 28 points per game and ran the offense with dominance, but the team lacked a reliable veteran to run the second unit or take the load off in stretches.
With D’Angelo Russell unlikely to return and Gabe Vincent falling out of favor, Chris Paul could be the perfect low-cost, high-IQ option.
Paul isn’t what he once was, but his 2024-25 season with the Spurs proved he still has plenty in the tank. In 28 minutes per game, he averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Most importantly, he stayed healthy and played in all 82 games, something even some young stars can't claim.
The Mavericks are also reportedly interested in Paul, especially with Kyrie Irving expected to miss a large part of next season due to an ACL tear.
But multiple reports indicate Paul is leaning away from Dallas and toward Los Angeles, even if it means accepting a smaller role or salary. The Lakers could offer him a veteran’s minimum or a portion of their mid-level exception if they strike out on bigger targets.
If signed, Paul would join a loaded Lakers core of Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves. It would be the ultimate full-circle moment and perhaps Paul’s best shot at finally winning the elusive NBA title.
After years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and what-ifs, Chris Paul may be ready to finish where he was almost destined to begin: as a Laker.
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