7 reasons why Chris Paul is a good fit for the Lakers
By Jimmy James
2. The prospect of playing with longtime friend, LeBron James
LeBron James has already played with Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. Chris Paul is the only member of the banana boat that he hasn’t played with. So, if Chris Paul played for the Lakers, this would give the longtime friends a chance to finally play together in the NBA.
The two know each other’s playing styles. They already have a sustained chemistry off the court, so putting them on an NBA roster together would translate immediately. Paul and James' remaining seasons in the league are numbered. This is their chance to compete on a playoff team together one time before they retire.
3. Chris Paul was almost a Laker back in the day
In 2011, Chris Paul was almost traded to the Lakers in a three-team deal. Paul would’ve been paired with Kobe Bryant, who had just won his fifth NBA title the year before, while Pau Gasol would’ve been traded to the Houston Rockets and the Hornets would’ve acquired Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Lamar Odom, Goran Dragić and a first-round draft pick.
But, unfortunately for Paul, the NBA's Commissioner at the time, David Stern, did not let it go through. So, over a decade later, this would be Paul’s chance to end up on the team he almost played for. Additionally, this would give Paul another chance to compete in the city of Los Angeles, this time for the Lakers, not the Clippers.
4. This would put Chris Paul in contention for that sought-after first ring
Chris Paul is widely recognized as one of the best players in NBA to have never won a championship. And as he is nearing the end of his career, time is running out for a chance at hoisting the highly-touted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
No, it’s no guarantee that the Lakers will win a championship in 2025, and it’s no guarantee Chris Paul will retire from the league an NBA champion. This would put him on a competitive team in the Western Conference led by two superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, however, whereas his more recent playoff runs with the Warriors, Suns and Thunder have fallen short.