Key Takeaways:
– LA Lakers display hesitation in recruiting NBA All-Star Chris Paul.
– Warriors’ decision regarding Paul’s future not yet confirmed.
– Lakers’ backcourt faces uncertainty as D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie’s positions hang in the balance.
– Speculation surrounds whether Paul would accept the veteran’s minimum salary.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Stand on Chris Paul
According to NBA expert Marc Stein, the LA Lakers may not be eager to enlist Chris Paul if the Golden State Warriors decide to drop him. As one of NBA’s highest achievers, Paul has shown a proven track record which includes a whopping twelve All-Star appearances. Yet, the Lakers seem to have reservations.
“What I keep hearing is that Paul could attract attention from both the Clippers and Lakers if he enters free agency,” says Stein in his June 23 Substack newsletter. “Although Paul’s eagerness to stay close to his LA-based family is no secret, it seems the Lakers’ interest may not be that high. This is surprising, given Paul’s close bond with LeBron James.”
Paul and Lakers’ Headlines
Paul’s links with the Lakers don’t stop at LeBron. His connection extends to the newly appointed head coach JJ Redick, with whom he worked for four seasons on the “Lob City” Clippers team. However, before any of these links take effect, the Warriors first need to decide on his $30 million salary by June 29.
If Warriors can’t find a favorable trade within the timeframe, Paul may face being let go. Stein presented the alternative: extending the deadline until July, but only if Paul gives the green light.
State of Lakers’ Backcourt: A Closer Look
The Lakers are at a crossroads with their backcourt players. D’Angelo Russell has an $18.6 million contract that hangs in the balance. At the same time, Spencer Dinwiddie is on the cusp of the open market. If Russell leaves, and Dinwiddie heads somewhere else, Gabe Vincent is left as the team’s only point guard.
Vincent, albeit his first unimpressive season dogged by a nagging ankle injury, remains on his three-year, $33 million contract. Paul, despite his age and smaller role with the Warriors last season, still led the team in assists and steals.
The Million Dollar Question: Will Paul Accept Veteran’s Minimum?
In the event that Russell leaves, the Lakers could have a spare $12.9 million for a new free agent. But investing this sum in a 39-year-old point guard like Paul, who has missed over 20 games in each of the last three seasons, might be risky.
Eric Pincus, a salary cap expert from Bleacher Report, argues that the Lakers have to hope that Paul doesn’t get a higher offer on the open market. “There’s a chance he gets traded or released by the Warriors,” says Pincus. “LeBron and Paul have a solid bond. It’s not unreasonable to imagine the Lakers signing Paul.”
Although it might seem like a gamble, if Paul is fit, he could offer stability to the Lakers’ backcourt. Not only would he assist first-time coach Redick, but he could also add depth and variation to the Lakers’ game strategy. This could benefit stars like James and Anthony Davis, presenting a mid-range game option and mastering the pick-and-roll game.
While speculation continues to circulate, the fate of the LA Lakers – and indeed, Chris Paul – remains to be seen. As the decisions and deadline draw nearer, fans and players alike both eagerly await the next step on the court.