One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Chris Paul from the Phoenix Suns this summer. In a May 24 article called “Trade Packages to Land Lakers a Star, Keep LeBron James Out of Retirement,” Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Lakers send D’Angelo Russell to the Suns for Paul.
“LeBron and CP3 have famously been friends for years,” Bailey wrote. “This would be their opportunity to finally assemble their version of the banana boat team. And Paul’s playmaking would give James more open shots manufactured by someone other than himself.
“Having to create your own buckets over and over is hard, especially as you approach 40. LeBron and Paul could help each other on that front.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Russell becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Lakers and Suns could execute a sign-and-trade deal involving Russell and Paul. D’Lo is close with Suns superstar shooting guard Devin Booker, while Paul is close pals with LeBron.
“And though this tandem wouldn’t have a long runway, LeBron’s individual timeline isn’t sprawling either. Paul makes the team better than Russell does in the short term,” Bailey wrote.
Paul signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in August 2021. The future Hall of Famer has a partially guaranteed contract for next season. CP3 averaged a career-low 13.9 points this season while shooting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc, and 83.1% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
James told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and Dave McMenamin of ESPN after the Lakers lost Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets that he might retire from the NBA this summer. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP has a torn tendon in his right foot, an injury that may require surgery.
LeBron, who is 38, signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Lakers last summer. The 19-time All-Star has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
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