LA could have strong competition for Chris Paul this summer

The Los Angeles Lakers could need a point guard after the potential departure of D’Angelo Russell. The choices in this category are slim, but the Lakers could sign 12-time All-Star Chris Paul.

The rumors of Paul joining the Lakers are present and there is a real possibility that Los Angeles will sign Paul when he becomes a free agent.

However, the Lakers are not the only contenders for Paul’s talent. Their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, could also be vying for their former player, setting the stage for a potential showdown this summer.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported in his latest column.

“I keep hearing that if Paul does eventually become a free agent, he would attract interest from both the Clippers and the Lakers. Paul’s desire to play as close to his LA-based family as possible is well known, but I’m told that interest in bringing him to the Lakers may not be unanimous within the organization, despite Paul’s well-documented friendship with LeBron James.”

It’s not a foregone conclusion that Paul will be a free agent this summer. The Warriors have until Friday to decide whether to exercise Paul’s $30 million team option for the 2024-25 season. If they don’t, they will release him and make him a free agent.

However, as we wait a few more days before the Warriors make that decision, they are already exploring trade options for the veteran point guard. The market may not be particularly interesting, as Paul is 39 years old and is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons and another injury-plagued season.

Paul averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, but he could provide the Lakers with the veteran experience that a rookie head coach like JJ Redick might need.

The race for Paul could intensify if he becomes a free agent, and the Lakers could potentially lose that race.

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