5 Potential Lakers free agent targets with ties to head coach JJ Redick

Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors

Although not yet an official free agent, the Golden State Warriors may part ways with point guard Chris Paul. In the event that Paul hits the open market, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be a team he considers signing with.

Considering Paul was teammates with JJ Redick for several seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, it's safe to assume that relationship will rear its head this offseason.

Paul, who's also close friends with LeBron James, played with Redick from 2013-14 to 2016-17. They had a falling out at one point in time, but Redick told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report in December of 2022 that they've repaired their relationship.

Having been through a challenging experience, there's reason to believe Redick could help Paul navigate the difficult situation of being a former superstar turned role player.

Paul isn't the All-NBA mainstay he used to be, but his court vision, defensive instincts, and elite shooting touch remain. This past season, he averaged 6.8 assists in just 27.2 minutes per game, which translates to 9.2 assists per 36 minutes.

Redick wants to take some of the playmaking pressure off of James, and adding Paul could be a way to help create a more balanced offensive system.