One NBA writer believes the Los Angeles Lakers should acquire point guard Chris Paul from the Phoenix Suns this summer.
Quenton Albertie of ClutchPoints thinks Paul is the perfect point guard to run the Lakers’ offense next season. CP3, a future Hall of Famer, is very close friends with Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James.
“Paul is the type of player whose basketball intelligence, leadership skills and experience wouldn’t only garner James’ trust, but would allow him to be a pillar for L.A.’s locker room as well,” Albertie wrote. “To that point, having a vocal leader that the team respects is as important for LeBron as the rest of the team. Every player needs to be properly motivated, and James and Paul will know just what to tell each other and their teammates as they look to bring the best out of their team.
“Two generals are better than one. That isn’t to disrespect Anthony Davis, an outspoken player that’s demonstrated an underrated level of maturity throughout his career. Because where LeBron and CP3 are generals, the elder statesmen, AD is a captain in his own right.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Paul averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists this season for the Suns while shooting 44.0% from the floor, 37.5% from 3-point land and 83.1% from the free-throw line. The 38-year-old suffered a groin injury in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals versus the Nuggets and missed the rest of the series.
Paul signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Suns in August 2021. He has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, but the Suns may decide to move on via trade or by waiving him. If the Lakers decide not to re-sign Russell and don’t go after Kyrie Irving, Paul could be an interesting option for them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The purple and gold acquired Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in December 2011 before former commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade. The Hornets wound up sending Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers.
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