The Los Angeles Lakers could be adding another big name to their backcourt—one who’s been linked to the franchise for years but never suited up in purple and gold.
Chris Paul, now 40 and still chasing his first ring, is reportedly targeting a return to Los Angeles in what could be the final year of his career. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the veteran point guard is focused on reuniting with his family in Los Angeles — and the Lakers just happen to be where his longtime friend LeBron James still plays.
Paul was infamously blocked from joining the Lakers back in 2011 when then-commissioner David Stern vetoed a trade that would’ve sent him to L.A. Now, over a decade later, a long-awaited chance to finally suit up in purple and gold might be back on the table.
Lakers Backcourt Could Add Another Legend
“Chris Paul would be another [Dallas] Mavericks target at $5.7 million,” Stein wrote, “but there is a growing belief that Paul… is determined to play closer to his home base in Los Angeles if he indeed comes back for a 21st season.”
Paul appeared in all 82 games last year with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while shooting just under 50% from the field. He was productive, efficient, and—most impressively—healthy.
Paul Prioritizing Family Over Fit
Since leaving L.A. in 2017, Paul has played for five teams in six years. But his family? They’ve stayed behind in Los Angeles. That could now shape his free agency decision more than any playoff projections.
“The past six seasons I have lived without them,” Paul said earlier this month on The Pat McAfee Show. “I’ve been away from them for the last six years… I wanna be dad.”
Despite interest from the Dallas Mavericks—who need a short-term answer while Kyrie Irving recovers—it seems Paul has a very different priority for Year 21.
Chris Paul on his family living in LA:
“My son just turned 16. My daughter’s 12. The past six seasons I have lived without them. I’ve been away from them for the last 6 years. That’s the conversation. I wanna be dad” 👀
h/t @ohnohedidnt24
A Full-Circle Moment for the Lakers?
Chris Paul has played in seven different cities. But none have meant more to his legacy than Los Angeles. The Clippers — where he played six seasons. And the Lakers — the team he was nearly traded to in 2011, before the NBA stepped in and vetoed it.
More than a decade later, Paul may finally get to finish what almost was.
There’s no agreement yet. But all signs point to a potential Hollywood ending. Paul wants to be near his family. His longtime friend LeBron James is still in L.A. And the story that was once stopped cold? It might just be ready for a second act.
