The Los Angeles Lakers could use a seasoned veteran like Chris Paul next season.
The 40-year-old will be a free agent this summer after spending the 2024-25 season with the San Antonio Spurs and has been linked to the Luka Doncic and LeBron James-led Western Conference club.
If former NBA commissioner David Stern hadn’t vetoed a 2011 blockbuster trade that would have sent Paul to the Lakers, perhaps the future Hall of Famer would be a member of the organization today.
Although Paul is on his last leg, he could still be a dependable pick-and-roll maestro and mentor with beneficial playoff experience.
However, Paul must first decide if he wants to continue his professional career. On Thursday, the 12-time All-Star discussed his NBA future on the Pat McAfee Show.
“I still love to play basketball and I’m in the gym every day,” Paul said. “My decision is about family more than anything.”
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Paul is undoubtedly conflicted following his 20th season in the NBA. On the one hand, the Wake Forest product hasn’t lost his passion for the game and remains committed to perfecting his craft daily.
On the other hand, Paul, who averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists alongside Victor Wembanyama this year, is a family man and wants to ensure that he spends as much time as possible with his loved ones.
Considering an NBA season is 82 games long (longer if a team makes the postseason) and requires players to travel often, it’ll be difficult for the 6-foot guard to make that happen next year if he returns for another season.
Even with Paul’s uncertain future, the Lakers should keep tabs on him as free agency looms closer.
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