On Wednesday, big news hit the NBA landscape when it was reported that the Phoenix Suns may release point guard Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star, in the coming weeks.
It instantly led to speculation that he might end up joining LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent.
The Lakers may be in need of another ball-handling guard. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, their starting guards, will become free agents this summer. There is a possibility neither will wear the Purple and Gold next season.
One Eastern Conference executive said Paul has always dreamed of playing for the Lakers and being a teammate of James (h/t Lakers Daily).
Via Heavy.com:
“Lakers first,” the general manager texted. “It’s not definite, a lot can happen. But you’d have to start there. He always had (the) dream of being a Laker (and) playing with LBJ.”
The feeling may be mutual. James considers Paul one of his closest friends.
There are pros and cons to signing Paul. He has been one of the NBA’s best pure point guards and floor generals over the years, but he is 38 years old and somewhat injury-prone.
Still, given his friendship with James and the Lakers’ tendency to be mesmerized by stars and big names, they may end up getting him in a few weeks.