The Los Angeles Lakers need to leave LeBron James contented this summer without sacrificing the longterm viability of roster construction centered around 26-year-old megastar Luka Doncic.
Among the happy mediums available to L.A. in free agency is the acquisition of point guard Chris Paul on a team-friendly contract. Zack Kram of ESPN dropped a couple of eye-catching statistics on Paul from last season, which speak to his continued viability in 2025-26.
"Paul might be 40 years old now, but he's still in good shape, as evidenced by his playing all 82 games last season," Kram wrote on Monday, June 30, the official start date of NBA free agency. "He's still a pick-and-roll maestro: Among 52 ball handlers who received at least 1,500 screens last year, per GeniusIQ, Paul ranked ninth in points per play, one spot ahead of Jalen Brunson. And he can still make plays for his teammates. ... Paul ranked fourth in assists per 36 minutes, behind only Trae Young, Nikola Jokic and Tyrese Haliburton."
Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks
Former Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul.
Jerome-Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Paul, a 12-time All-Star and one of James' best friends in the league, played on a $10.5 million contract last season. He's earned nearly $401 million during his 20-year playing career and is also a successful businessman and pitchman away from the court.
Los Angeles isn't going to have a ton of salary cap space to pay Paul on an exorbitant contract, but if he's willing to play at a discount -- or perhaps even for as little as a veteran's minimum deal would offer -- there is a place for Paul on the Lakers' roster, not to mention a quality fit.
"It's unlikely that Paul returns to San Antonio, which is set at point guard after trading for De'Aron Fox and drafting Dylan Harper," Kram continued. "Might he go to the Los Angeles Lakers (without a commissioner veto this time) and finally team up with LeBron James?"
Paul likely wants to play for a contender, as a championship ring is the one accolade missing from his Hall of Fame resumé. But, in that context, the Lakers aren't the only game in town.
Kram also mentioned the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves as potential landing spots for Paul this summer.