Lakers Rumors: Ranking Each Superstar’s Chance of Landing in LA
By Jason Reed
5. Chris Paul
Once upon a time, Chris Paul was supposed to be a Los Angeles Laker, and well, it never quite panned out. Paul was supposed to be heading to the Lakers in a three-team deal that included Pau Gasol going to the Rockets and the Hornets acquiring key players alongside draft picks.
Before the time of super teams (wait, weren’t the Celtics a super team at this point?) this deal got vetoed because, well, let’s face it – the league could not have kept up. Although the Lakers were giving up their best big man, a backcourt including Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul would have been nothing short of historic.
Anyways, with a player option to be exercised this offseason and potentially another heartbreaking year, Chris Paul may look to opt out. Chances are he will opt out, get an even larger payday with the Clippers, and call it a day. However, with Blake Griffin potentially leaving with his player option, Paul may want a change of scenery.
This change of scenery would include Paul changing Locker rooms at the Staples Center and finally donning the purple and gold. We mentioned the Lakers as a potential destination for Paul, but quite frankly, it may be a tad optimistic.
If the Lakers do maintain their selection and pick Lonzo Ball, there will be no need for Paul. The team will have a nice trio in Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, and Lonzo Ball in the backcourt. Paul may be the playmaker the Lakers need and the true leader to right the ship, but with where the Lakers stand, he may not be the best fit.
Chance of landing in LA – 20%