1. Fit
As special as Chris Paul is, the fit with the Los Angeles Lakers just doesn’t make sense. The 10-time All-Star comes with special instructions and it’s not a knock on him. It worked for him throughout his time in New Orleans, with the Clippers, and now with the Thunder.
He is a point guard with a high usage rate and is known to be an outspoken leader. He demands a lot from his guys and he will let it be known. While most teams need a leader like that it’s sometimes best to just have one. The Lakers already have one in LeBron.
Paul is really good friends with LeBron which will make it easier to gel with LeBron than other superstars. The issue is that Paul needs the ball in his hands to make things happen. He isn’t used to being a spot-up shooter and that’s where problems started in Houston with James Harden.
The Lakers not only have LeBron, who is one of the leaders in usage rate, but they also have another superstar in Anthony Davis who demands the ball as well. Paul’s value isn’t quite the same when he isn’t running the show.
For those three reasons, the Los Angeles Lakers should not pursue him.