Could Chris Paul Still Help the Lakers? Here’s Why It’s Not as Far-Fetched as It Sounds
The Los Angeles Lakers have never had trouble drawing stars, even those with more miles on the odometer. When a franchise boasts 17 championships and a reputation for swinging big, it’s no surprise that high-profile veterans often find their way to L.A. - especially when a title chase is still in play.
Now, with the Lakers looking to fine-tune their roster for a serious 2025-26 postseason push, one name is floating around again: Chris Paul.
Yes, that Chris Paul - 12-time All-Star, future Hall of Famer, and one of the sharpest basketball minds of his generation. At 40 years old, he’s no longer the Point God who could single-handedly control a game’s tempo or carve up a defense in crunch time. But that doesn’t mean he’s without value - especially in a Lakers system that could benefit from veteran leadership, basketball IQ, and a steady hand off the bench.
Let’s be clear: Paul’s second stint with the Clippers this season didn’t go according to plan. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday after posting career-low numbers - 2.9 points, 3.3 assists per game, and shooting just 32.1% from the field in 14.3 minutes per night.
Those aren’t the kind of stats that scream “difference-maker.” But raw numbers don’t always tell the full story, especially when it comes to a player like CP3.
What Paul lacks in athleticism or scoring punch at this stage, he still makes up for with his ability to orchestrate an offense, control the tempo, and make the right read in the right moment. During his brief time with the Spurs earlier this season, he showed he could be effective without dominating the ball - a key trait when you’re sharing the floor with high-usage players like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, or LeBron James.
And that’s where the Lakers come in.
If Toronto decides to waive Paul, the Lakers could be an ideal landing spot. He wouldn’t be expected to carry a heavy load or play major minutes behind the likes of Reaves and Marcus Smart. But in limited spurts, Paul could provide something the Lakers have lacked at times: a calming presence in the second unit, someone who can settle things down, make smart decisions, and elevate the play of those around him.
There’s also the chemistry factor. Paul’s close relationship with LeBron James is well-documented, and he played under Lakers head coach JJ Redick for four years during their time together with the Clippers. That familiarity could ease the transition and help Paul find a role quickly in what would be a veteran-heavy locker room with championship aspirations.
No one’s pretending Paul is the missing piece that suddenly makes the Lakers unbeatable. But in a postseason setting, where every possession counts and experience matters, he could be a valuable asset - especially if used strategically.
At this point in his career, Paul isn’t chasing stats. He’s chasing a ring. And if the Raptors move on, don’t be surprised if the Lakers are willing to give him one more shot at it.