Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards to ever play in the NBA. However, if the latest rumors are true, the free-agent guard may also be unaware of his declining skill set and age.
Tim Reynolds noted, "Chris Paul wants to be a starter, we're told, which is part of the reason why he evidently hasn't made up his mind yet. [Los Angeles] Clippers [are] still very hopeful he picks them."
Paul found a place in the NBA last season that still valued his contributions as a starting point guard, joining the San Antonio Spurs for his 20th season. The former Spurs guard had a solid campaign, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while appearing in all 82 games.
Despite that, there are very few spots in the league which would likely be willing to open up a starting gig for Paul heading into next season. The Los Angeles Lakers will certainly not be that team.
Past connections to Paul are being rendered meaningless for Lakers
The Lakers have an obvious need at the backup point guard position. Heading into next season with Gabe Vincent as the guy occupying that spot is not something many in Los Angeles will want to see.
If Reynolds' report holds up, that is a role Paul does not appear eager to accept. That should be fine all the same, considering the on-court fit of the future Hall of Fame floor general would have been highly questionable for the Lakers, especially with their current roster construction.
One of the persistent notions that has come from Paul's end has been the desire to play with a team close to his family in Los Angeles. It was something that came up on The Pat McAfee Show a while back.
That sentiment was reiterated by Jake Fischer in his most recent rumor mill roundup. The NBA insider stated that the Clippers and Phoenix Suns remain the most likely destinations for Paul.
Fischer also stated, "Sources add that Paul ... has rebuffed interest from Dallas and Charlotte thus far in free agency in a nod to the family plan. ... He has been away from his wife and two teenage children for most of the past six seasons."
A reunion with the Suns, who have a much more glaring need for a point guard than either of the Los Angeles teams, makes the most sense here in terms of the potential role for next season. The Lakers should happily step aside and look for an alternative that makes more sense alongside Luka Doncic.