13 Years After Being Restrained to Join Forces With Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul Eyeing LeBron James’ Lakers as His Next Destination

As much as strategies and mind games are involved on the court, the team’s front offices also have to exercise similar efforts to find the right mix for their side. The Los Angeles Lakers made a horrible start to the 2022-23 season but eventually ended up as the Western Conference runners-up. In addition to the positive finish to the season, LeBron James’ side is currently eyeing a lucrative deal involving veteran point guard Chris Paul. Notably, the Phoenix Suns star had his opportunity snatched to join Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in 2011. 

The Suns had a disappointing end to the season. Despite adding Kevin Durant to the roster on trade deadline day, they were comprehensively beaten by the eventual champions Denver Nuggets in the WC Semis. According to reports, the Suns are on pace to release Chris Paul in the offseason as he is set to earn more than $30 million next year.

LeBron James & Co eye on Chris Paul for the upcoming season

As fans live in the hangover of the 2022-23 NBA Finals, a recent The Athletic article reported the Lakers’ interest in Chris Paul. Above all, the report further suggested that the LA side would look to solidify their point guard option by retaining D’Angelo Russell. The Suns guard averaged 13.9 points in the regular season and played a crucial role in the team’s journey to the Conference semifinals. 

The report stated that the Lakers would be interested in signing CP3 if he was waived or stretched by Phoenix. While it may seem like a lucrative option for the Lakers, the team once missed the opportunity to play the veteran point guard in 2011.

The NBA had its fourth lockout in 2011, citing various reasons relating to revenue and salary cap. Eventually, the lockout came to an end with a 10-year collective bargaining agreement between the owners and the league. In the process, the Lakers subsequently lost their Chris Paul trade.

NBA vetoed Chris Paul’s Lakers deal

Then-7x NBA All-Star Paul represented the New Orleans Hornets when the Lakers tried to acquire him. Notably, the league itself owned the Hornets, and due to external pressure from other team owners, the NBA vetoed the deal. The Point God opened up about the botched trade recently, where he revealed that he had even spoken to Kobe Bryant about joining the team.

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After a week, the Lakers’ arch-rivals, Los Angeles Clippers, sealed the deal and completely restrained Paul’s place in the Lakers locker room for 13 years. However, the 6-foot star has another opportunity to make his dream come true.

What do you make of Chris Paul’s possible addition to the Lakers family? Will he clinch his first-ever title? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

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