The latest rumor surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and what they might do to reload and make a run at one more NBA championship has them acquiring future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul.
Paul has been one of the league’s best point guards and floor generals for the better part of the last 15 years, and he is very good friends with LeBron James.
He is reportedly involved in the blockbuster trade that will land the Phoenix Suns Bradley Beal, and he could get bought out or stretched shortly after the trade is finalized.
Some have speculated that the Lakers would try to acquire Paul in a trade. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, they will only sign him if he becomes a free agent and is willing to sign for the veteran’s minimum salary (h/t Lakers Daily).
Via Los Angeles Times:
“The Lakers for sure would have interest in acquiring Chris Paul, but only for the veteran minimum.”
The article also mentioned how such a scenario would give the team enough salary cap flexibility to keep key free agents Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, as well as possibly D’Angelo Russell.
“If he were to take that from the Lakers, it would be a good deal for the Lakers and allow them to retain Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura possibly without hurting their salary cap too much. At 38, the question becomes how much does CP have left in his body? And would he be willing to be a backup if the Lakers re-signed D’Angelo Russell?”
With Paul being 38 and with his extensive injury history, relying on him, especially when production has also been in steep decline lately, might be a bad idea. But bringing him on board in a diminished bench role just may work.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire