There are plenty of high-profile free agents the Los Angeles Lakers could pursue this summer.
However, the organization could take a different approach by acquiring an underachieving ex-Golden State Warriors point guard who is a shell of his former self.
Chris Paul, who played alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in the Bay last season, isn’t the electric young gun he was in his prime.
From fooling opposing big men with his signature yo-yo dribble move in pick-and-roll situations to using his creativity to finish around the rim as an undersized guard, Paul made life challenging for opponents when at the top of his game.
Although the Wake Forest product is still a wise floor general capable of outthinking the opposition on the hardwood, he’s no longer a superstar in the big leagues.
More concerningly, the 39-year-old’s inability to orchestrate a championship run despite playing for ultra-talented franchises could be a red flag for teams looking to go the distance.
Paul averages 9.0 points and 7.9 assists with the San Antonio Spurs this season, shooting 41.5% from the field and 36.9% from long-range.
It’s safe to say the end is near for Paul. Still, his close relationship with LeBron James, mentorship skills, and motivation to finally prevail on the big stage could make him an underrated addition to the surging Lake Show in the offseason.
Considering the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Paul in 2011 was vetoed by former NBA commissioner David Stern, it’s only right for Los Angeles to consider giving the 12-time All-Star a chance to compete with the big-market franchise before he retires.
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