The idea of the Los Angeles Lakers signing Chris Paul would have been met with considerable trepidation just a year ago. While Paul’s credentials as one of the NBA’s premier point guards remain unquestioned, concerns about his age, limitations, and the potential cost made him a seemingly awkward fit for the Lakers.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has shifted. As the Lakers seek avenues to maximize the Luka Doncic era, Paul emerges as an unexpectedly viable and economical target. His veteran savvy, playmaking prowess, and scoring touch could inject new life into the Lakers’ offense, particularly for a second unit that struggled mightily last season.
This article explores why Chris Paul, once considered a potential nightmare scenario, now presents a compelling option for the Lakers. We’ll delve into his statistical contributions, his potential impact on the team’s dynamics, and the specific needs he could address, ultimately arguing that, at the right price, Paul could be the key to unlocking the Lakers’ full potential.
Chris Paul Could Save Lakers’ Dreadful Second Unit—at the Right Price
While Chris Paul is no longer the perennial All-Star of his earlier years, his skill set remains remarkably potent. Last season, with the San Antonio Spurs, the 40-year-old veteran averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, showcasing his enduring ability to impact the game on multiple fronts. His shooting splits of .427/.377/.924 highlight his continued efficiency as a scorer, while his assist numbers underscore his role as an elite facilitator.
Paul’s impact extended beyond the box score. He ranked among the league’s best in assists, points created via assists, and potential assists, demonstrating his knack for setting up teammates and generating scoring opportunities. Even as he approaches the twilight of his career, Paul remains a player who elevates those around him.
Notably, the Spurs performed significantly better with Paul on the court, outscoring opponents by 5.0 points per 100 possessions. This on/off-court differential speaks to Paul’s ability to positively influence team performance, a quality that would be invaluable to a Lakers team seeking to improve its overall cohesion and effectiveness.
Addressing Lakers’ Offensive Struggles
The Lakers’ bench struggled mightily in the 2024-25 season, finishing near the bottom of the league in key offensive categories. They ranked 28th in offensive rating, 29th in points, and dead last in assists, highlighting a glaring need for improved playmaking and scoring off the bench. The arrival of sharpshooting rookie Dalton Knecht offered a glimmer of hope, but the second unit consistently lacked the offensive direction and consistency needed to complement the starters.
Chris Paul could be the answer to the Lakers’ bench woes. His ability to create opportunities for others, coupled with his scoring prowess, could provide a much-needed spark for the second unit. Paul’s presence would alleviate pressure from the starting lineup, allowing the Lakers to maintain a high level of offensive production throughout the game.
By signing Paul to a minimum salary, the Lakers could acquire a proven playmaker and scorer without breaking the bank. This move would not only address the team’s immediate needs but also provide valuable mentorship and leadership for the younger players on the roster. Paul’s experience and savvy could be instrumental in guiding the Lakers toward greater success.
Creating Opportunities for Floor Spacers
Chris Paul’s ability to create open looks for his teammates could unlock the offensive potential of players like Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, and Gabe Vincent. These floor-spacers, all capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc, could thrive alongside Paul, who excels at finding open teammates and delivering accurate passes.
In 2024-25, Paul shot 38.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes and 37.0 percent on pull-up jumpers, demonstrating his continued proficiency as a shooter. His ability to knock down shots from distance would further enhance the Lakers’ floor spacing, creating more room for Doncic and other slashers to operate.
Paul’s midrange game remains a potent weapon. He converted 50.0 percent of his attempts from 15-to-19 feet last season, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest midrange shooters of all time. This ability to score from multiple levels would make him a valuable asset for the Lakers, providing them with a reliable scoring option in various situations.
Proven Ability to Play Alongside Star Players
Chris Paul has a long history of success playing alongside star players. He helped Devin Booker lead the Phoenix Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, James Harden and the Houston Rockets reach the 2018 Western Conference Finals, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander improve his game in Oklahoma City.
In Los Angeles, Paul could leverage his experience playing with superstar teammates to help Luka Doncic lead the Lakers to new heights. His ability to simplify the game for his teammates, coupled with his leadership and playmaking skills, could be the key to unlocking the Lakers’ full offensive potential.
Paul’s willingness to embrace a supporting role, while still maintaining his own scoring threat, would make him an ideal complement to Doncic. Together, they could form a dynamic duo that propels the Lakers to contention for the NBA championship.
Conclusion
While the prospect of Chris Paul joining the Los Angeles Lakers may have seemed like a potential nightmare scenario in the past, circumstances have changed. As the Lakers seek ways to maximize the Luka Doncic era, Paul presents a compelling option as a low-cost, high-impact addition.
His playmaking prowess, scoring ability, and experience playing alongside star players make him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ needs. By signing Paul to a minimum salary, the team could address its bench woes, enhance its floor spacing, and provide valuable leadership for its younger players.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Paul will depend on the Lakers’ overall strategy and priorities. However, given the potential benefits he could bring, it’s clear that Chris Paul is no longer a nightmare scenario—he’s a legitimate option worth exploring.
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