The Los Angeles Lakers will always appeal to high-profile contributors who could use a change of scenery.
The franchise undoubtedly has its flaws, but attracting elite talent has never been an issue for the 17-time NBA champions. With the Lakers having the ability to upgrade their roster in an attempt to take their 2025-26 championship hopes to an elevated level, ClutchPoints’ Paolo Mariano believes they could add a 40-year-old 12-time All-Star to the fold.
“As one of the league's storied franchises, the Lakers are always in win-now mode,” Mariano wrote Thursday. “Adding a seasoned floor general like (Chris) Paul should only help their championship push, and in turn, give the future Hall of Famer his ring.”
“While Paul would only get limited minutes playing behind Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart in the backcourt, his ability to control the pace, make split-second decisions, and set up teammates should only bode well for the Lakers.”
“Paul showed in his pitstop with the San Antonio Spurs that at this juncture of his career, he doesn't need the ball all the time to be effective. Sharing the rock with Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron James won't be a problem. Moreover, familiarity won't be an issue. Paul has a close relationship with James and played with coach JJ Redick for four years on the (Los Angeles) Clippers.”
Paul started the 2025-26 season with the Clippers, but was traded to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The longtime NBA veteran’s second tenure with Los Angeles was disastrous, as he was in the midst of having the worst campaign of his lengthy career.
Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game with the Clippers, shooting 32.1% from the field and 33.3% three-point shooting in 14.3 minutes per game.
Paul’s play with Los Angeles makes one thing crystal clear: the former No. 4 overall pick is a shell of his former self and doesn’t possess the same skill set that helped him thrive in his prime.
Still, from a leadership perspective, Paul could assist the Lakers if the Raptors decide to waive him. The Doncic-led organization shouldn’t expect the 2006 Rookie of the Year to provide high-level production on either end, though.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Paul going forward.
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