Los Angeles Lakers: Why a Chris Paul trade is not going to happen

By Jason Reed | Oct 15, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Say goodbye to any chance of signing Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Los Angeles Lakers have been set up in preparation for the 2021 offseason. Money is freed off of the books for what is going to be a big free-agent class, headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is not the only option, though, as other star options will be available.

The Los Angeles Lakers trading for Chris Paul removes any chance of signing Giannis or any of the other free agents in this offseason.

The only way that the Lakers would even be able to do this is if Chris Paul opted out of his deal and took less money to stay in LA and bring in another star. There is no chance that is happening. Paul would be opting out of over $44 million by doing so.

There is a time and place to take minor pay cuts, a $40 million pay cut is not something that anyone should reasonably do. Paul deserves to get his bread.

The Los Angeles Lakers can still build a contender that is probably better off for the long haul without CP3 this season while also setting up the opportunity to bring in another star in the future.

This would be a very shortsighted move by the Los Angeles Lakers and Rob Pelinka simply does not operate in that manner.

However, it is not just the Lakers’ side that this does not make sense for. It does not really make sense for the Thunder, either.

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