As Chris Paul continues to discuss his future with the Suns, the veteran point guard’s potential availability has reportedly caught the attention of the Lakers with the offseason now in full swing.
Los Angeles is believed to have “strong interest” in signing Paul should Phoenix opt to waive him or stretch his contract, according to a Friday report from The Athletic.
The Lakers have also reportedly explored a scenario in which the team could sign the 18-year vet to a minimum contract and retain pending unrestricted free-agent guard D’Angelo Russell, a key trade-deadline acquisition. Russell is among several notable Lakers free agents, including restricted FAs Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Given the cap restraints on both sides, Paul possibly joining L.A. will come down to what the Suns decide to do with the remaining two years of the four-year, $120 million extension he signed prior to the 2021–22 season.
The 38-year-old is set to earn $30.8 million next season, but would earn only $15.8 million if he’s waived. If Paul remains in Phoenix past June 28, his full $30.8 million will become guaranteed, making him harder to trade or become a roster casualty as a result of the NBA’s stretch provision.
Should Paul hit the market, the 12-time All-Star could, at long last, become a Laker and play out his 19th NBA season alongside friend LeBron James—who is expected to return for a 21st season—and Anthony Davis.
While a Big Three of James, Davis and Paul may bring questions due to age, injury history and fit, the star trio would give L.A. some strong veteran stability in the lineup. Not to mention, CP3 could be a nice free agency splash to bolster the club as it looks to avenge getting swept in the Western Conference finals by the eventual champion Nuggets.
