Lakers Reportedly Split on Pursuing Free Agent With Strong Personality
By Jovan Alford
The Los Angeles Lakers could be looking for an upgrade at the point guard spot this offseason. Veteran D’Angelo Russell has a player option for the 2024-25 season valued at $18.6 million. If he declines the option, Russell will become an unrestricted free agent.
However, if Russell accepts the option, it’s not guaranteed that he will still be on the team as the Lakers could use his contract in a trade to upgrade the roster. Nevertheless, the Lakers must be ready to make one or two additions at the point guard over the next few weeks.
If Los Angeles decides to go the free agency route to address the spot, there’s a veteran point guard with ties to LeBron and JJ Redick.
Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Expected to Show Interest in Chris Paul
NBA scribe Marc Stein reported Sunday that the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are expected to show interest in veteran point guard Chris Paul. Stein adds that Paul’s desire to play in LA, where his family is based, is well-known. However, Stein also cautions that there isn’t unanimous interest in bringing Paul to the Lakers, despite his friendship with LeBron James.
The Lakers and Clippers are expected to show interest in Chris Paul, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2024
“I keep hearing that Paul, if he actually makes to free agency at some point, would draw interest from the Clippers as well as the Lakers. Paul's desire to play as close to his L.A.-based… pic.twitter.com/UsuSduqNHa
It doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that not everybody inside the Lakers’ organization is not on board with a potential Paul signing. The 39-year-old point guard was a shell of himself in Golden State as he predominantly came off the bench.
Paul averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 26.4 minutes per game. The veteran point guard also shot 44.1 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from deep, which is bad given the limited role with the Warriors.
That said, Paul is scheduled to make $30 million next season, which is a tough pill for any team to take, especially given his age and production. If Paul isn’t brought out of the final year of his deal in a trade this offseason, it’s tough to see the Lakers trading Russell in a multi-team deal for an aging point guard.
For the Lakers to compete in this new era of the Western Conference, they need to get younger at various positions, including point guard.
More Lakers news and analysis:
feed