The Lakers’ 103-88 loss to the Clippers on Saturday wasn’t just another chapter in the ongoing battle for L.A. bragging rights - it also came with a subplot that’s caught the attention of the NBA world: the sudden and surprising situation surrounding Chris Paul.
After being sent home by the Clippers, Paul’s future is murky at best. And with the Lakers holding an open roster spot, naturally, the speculation has started to swirl. Could the longtime veteran - and close friend of LeBron James - make the short trip across the hallway at Crypto.com Arena to join the purple and gold?
LeBron, for his part, didn’t offer much when asked about Paul’s situation.
“It’s not for me to comment on. It’s none of my business,” James said.
It was a short, measured response - vintage LeBron when it comes to navigating delicate situations involving friends and rival teams. Whether that’s him staying neutral out of respect for the Clippers, or simply not wanting to fuel speculation, is anyone’s guess. But the timing is hard to ignore.
Paul, who has deep ties to the Los Angeles area and a well-documented friendship with James, now finds himself in basketball limbo. The Clippers, a team that once seemed like an ideal fit thanks to his history with the franchise and his family’s L.A. roots, have effectively moved on. That opens the door - at least theoretically - for the Lakers to explore a move.
Now, let’s be clear: the Lakers can’t make any move on Paul until January 19. That’s the earliest possible date they could sign him, should he become available.
But the fit, on paper, is intriguing. The Lakers have struggled with consistency at the guard spot this season, and Paul, even at this stage of his career, brings veteran savvy, elite basketball IQ, and playoff experience that could prove valuable down the stretch.
And then there’s the title chase. For all of Paul’s accolades - 12-time All-Star, All-NBA nods, Olympic gold medals - the one thing missing from his résumé is an NBA championship. Teaming up with LeBron, Anthony Davis, and a Lakers squad that still has postseason aspirations could offer one last real shot at that elusive ring.
Of course, there are plenty of variables still in play. Paul could choose to retire.
Asked LeBron James if he had a chance to talk to Chris Paul since the Clippers sent him home.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 21, 2025
“No I haven’t.”
Me: “Were you surprised at all at how things played out.”
LeBron: “It’s not for me to comment on. It’s not none of my business.” pic.twitter.com/zwgDVcnERF
Another contender might come calling. The Lakers could opt to use their roster spot elsewhere.
But if the opportunity presents itself - and if both sides are interested - this is a move that would be as much about legacy as it is about basketball.
For now, the situation remains fluid. But with one of the game’s greatest point guards potentially on the market, and one of his closest friends leading a team that could use a steady hand, this is a story worth watching as the season unfolds.