The Los Angeles Lakers are headed for what promises to be an important offseason. LeBron James will likely become a free agent. While he’s set to return to the Lakers, their current roster is not up to snuff.
Los Angeles’ loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs displayed just how far this team is from championship contention.
For King James and Co., the summer has to be spent upgrading said roster. It’s sure to be a point of contention as James negotiates a new contract with the Lakers.
In short, general manager Rob Pelinka has a lot of work to do. That starts with finding a replacement for recently-fired head coach Darvin Ham. But it does not end there.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers have preferred trade target this summer
Chris Paul is a legitimate opton for the Los Angeles Lakers
Despite being considered best friends, LeBron and Chris Paul have not played together in the NBA. They’ve been part of the national team in the Olympics. But two parts of the “Banana Boat” crew have never suited up with one another in the Association. Could that soon change?
“Chris Paul will probably be a free agent. There is a reasonable chance he gets traded or just cut by the Warriors. LeBron [James] and him obviously have a close relationship. There is a universe where the Lakers sign Chris Paul. I don’t think it’s outrageous.
I would be remiss without mentioning Chris Paul as a real possibility. It makes a lot of sense to me… Is Chris coming for the minimum? I don’t know… I don’t want to say he comes cheap to the Lakers, but in the absence of a better offer I could see that.”
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report on Chris Paul
Paul, 39, played for the Warriors this past season. The team has a $30 million contract option for the 2024-25 campaign. They will undoubtedly decline said option, either letting Paul hit NBA free agency or trading his contract.
As for the Lakers, they’ll likely be in the market for a point guard. D’Angelo Russell has his own player option for next season that he’ll decline. Given the dynamics between Russell and the Lakers, it would be a surprise if he returned to Southern California.
Paul is no longer the player he used to be. The 12-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game for the Warriors last season. However, he would represent a calming influence and veteran presence in Los Angeles. It’s going to be all about the market he receives.