Report reveals Lakers’ stance on signing Chris Paul

December 12, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (3) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul has recently been linked to both of Los Angeles’ NBA franchises, but one team is reportedly more interested than the other.

Paul’s contract with the Golden State Warriors has one year left on it. His entire $30 million salary for the 2024-25 season is not guaranteed. The Warriors have until June 28 to decide whether or not to keep the 12-time All-Star.

Should Paul enter the free agency market, both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers have reportedly shown interest in signing him.

However, a report published Sunday by NBA reporter Marc Stein said the Lakers’ interest in Paul was not “unanimous” despite Paul’s friendship with LeBron James.

Paul has long been linked to James since the two were spotted together on a banana boat in 2015. But James no longer seems to have the standing with the management that he once did as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, or even when he had just joined the Lakers and was lobbying for the Anthony Davis trade.

According to reports, the Warriors could also opt to keep Paul with the intention of trading him later.

Paul is entering his 39th season and is coming off the least productive season of his career. But Paul was still valuable as a bench player for the Warriors, averaging 9.2 points on 44.1% shooting from the field, along with 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals.