Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons not to trade for Chris Paul

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 126-103. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Chris Paul is too old

As you undoubtedly know, there was a time when the Los Angeles Lakers almost acquired Paul. It was the 2011 holiday season, just after that year’s NBA lockout had been ended.

It looked like the Purple and Gold had struck a deal that would not only enable them to extract at least one more championship out of Kobe Bryant but also save some money.

Instead, then-NBA commissioner David Stern, in the role as acting owner of the New Orleans Hornets, nixed the trade, and Paul subsequently was shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers instead.

Paul was 26 then, and he could’ve given the Lakers up to a decade of great play and service.

But now he’s 35, and once an NBA player reaches that milestone, all bets are off.

Yes, Paul had a great year for the Thunder, but last year, he started to look washed up in Houston, as he shot just 41.9 percent from the field. During the 2019 postseason, he made only 27.0 percent of his 3-pointers.

Just like with James, no one knows how much longer Paul will be able to play at a high level. He could very well have two more strong years left in him. Or he could start declining permanently next season.

A team in the Lakers’ position shouldn’t and doesn’t need to take big risks like that. After all, they’re not exactly desperate anymore.

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