While rumors have circulated for years about NBA legend Chris Paul joining the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a trade being easier to make right now, a new report claims the future Hall of Famer is not part of the front office’s plans.
Paul is, arguably, the greatest point guard in NBA history. Sure, he didn’t win a championship — or really came close — but there is no denying how great the 12-time All-Star has been during his 21 years in the league. He is the kind of legendary player that the Lakers have always been interested in acquiring.
Yet, a move to bring Paul to the other LA team was always a pipe dream. Especially when he became a franchise great for in-city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. However, despite signing with the Clippers in the summer and expecting to end his career with the team, he was pretty much banished from the organization earlier this month after questioning teammates and management following an ugly start to the campaign. Setting up a trade elsewhere soon.
LA Lakers Have No Interest In Adding Chris Paul
Unsurprisingly, it has reopened the door to speculation that the Lakers could look to bring in LeBron James’ long-time pal to get his NBA send-off with the legendary franchise. Especially since he is making a little under $4 million this season. However, the team has no interest in acquiring the basketball great for the second half.
“Despite the 40-year-old’s frequently cited desire to play as close to his Los Angeles-based family as possible, sources say that the Lakers are not considering Paul as a potential in-season addition despite the many years of Paul-to-the-Lakers speculation that have swirled leaguewide,” NBA insider Jake Fischer reports.
“The Lakers have generally been very intentional in targeting players under 30 since the offseason when addressing various roster needs,” he added.
