Chris Paul to the Lakers? LeBron James to FINALLY team-up with long-time friend, suggests NBA Insider
Chris Paul was traded to the Washington Wizards after spending the past three years with Phoenix Suns.
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LeBron James and Chris Paul (Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Bradley Beal‘s trade to the Phoenix Suns has stirred up a lot of chatter in the NBA. The former Washington Wizards guard was sent to the Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, second-round picks, and additional pick swaps to the Wizards. With Paul now on his way to Washington, there have been many speculations about the veteran guard’s future.
To start off, Chris Haynes, an NBA insider, believes that the Wizards could waive Paul. This would mean that a third team could get involved in the Paul-Beal trade. The Los Angeles Lakers could get involved in this situation, as they are reportedly on the lookout for a seasoned guard. The Lakers have quite a few assets to offer in guard Malik Beasley and center Mo Bamba. Moreover, Chris Paul and LeBron James teaming up could bear good results for LA as the two veterans are known to have great chemistry.
Initial speculations for Chris Paul‘s landing spot went toward the Los Angeles Clippers. In fact, the guard has played for the Clippers for six years previously. If the Los Angeles Clippers end up pursuing Paul, they would have a rather strong lineup.
Currently, the Clippers already have three-star players in Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook. However, one of them would surely have to be shipped if Paul was to be brought in. The estimated amount that Paul would come in for is flagged at around a minimum of $25.04 million.
Did Chris Paul ever play for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Chris Paul could potentially be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Way back in 2011, the New Orleans Hornets and the Houston Rockets were involved in a three-team deal that would’ve sent Paul to the Lakers. However, the then NBA Commissioner, David Stern, vetoed such a trade from taking place.
Stern was also acting as the President of the New Orleans Hornets back then after the league bought the franchise from its previous owner. Although Paul eventually landed in LA, he played for the Clippers instead. On the other hand, Stern cited ‘basketball reasons’ as the factor behind his decision to keep Paul away from the Lakers.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)