Chris Paul was closest to winning his first NBA championship this season as he and the Phoenix Suns went to the Finals and even took a 2-0 lead. However, in the end, it was Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks that lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
In spite of failing to reach one of the goals of his career, the 36-year-old point guard is committed to returning next year. Paul has another year left on his contract with the Suns, but it is a player option. He can decline it until August 1. While he is deciding on his future, there is significant interest from other teams.
One of them is the last year’s NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is reportedly looking for a veteran point guard and Paul is on the list. LeBron James was supporting the 11-time NBA All-Star during the Finals and could possibly welcome such addition. There is more support for such move. Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted that his former team would win a ring if Paul joined.
Another big-time player that is linked with the Lakers is Los Angeles native Russell Westbrook. The 32-year-old spent this past season with the Washington Wizards. Like Paul, he is yet to win his first championship. Westbrook’s contract runs through the 2022-2023 season. However, the last year is player option.
Via Marc J. Spears on The Undefeated:
“According to sources, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been on the hunt for veteran point guard, and Paul is on the list. There have also been talks about Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook being a potential candidate to move back home to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade deal that could include free agent point guard Dennis Schroder, forward Kyle Kuzma and guard Talen Horton-Tucker, sources said.”
