Should Chris Paul Finally Be a Laker This Season?
The question of whether Chris Paul should join the Lakers now is a complex one. There is no other time than now though, because it might be Paul’s last year. If the Lakers decide to acquire Paul this offseason, even for just one year, it carries more benefits than risks. The Lakers could use a veteran Point Guard coming off the bench when Luka Doncic needs a rest.
Chris Paul also surprisingly enough came off a season in his 20th year, where he played all 82 games. This was the first time he had played all 82 games; he had come close with about 80 games played in his first few years. The biggest question mark for me about this decision is Paul's productivity. Last season, he averaged eight points, seven assists, and three rebounds per game. He also shot 42% from the field and 37% from three. Those numbers can be expected to be the same as a Laker, if not even less. Due to the bench and the use that some players, such as Luka and LeBron James, will have during games as ball handlers.
The biggest beneficiaries of acquiring Paul would no doubt be the Lakers' coaching staff and, more importantly, the role players. Paul has always shocked people with how he has improved every team he has been on in his career. The amount of wisdom he can bring in a very short amount of time can be what the Lakers need, even more than a roster overhaul, to get them to the NBA Finals. He is also best friends with LeBron James and would be able to develop a seamless chemistry, as he did with Dwyane Wade in Miami. Expressing his desire to go back to L.A. put forth the question in fans' minds this week.
The question is whether the Lakers should sign Chris Paul, especially since the attempt failed the first time, almost 15 years ago. I would say yes, only if it's for a year and under the right contract. The Lakers shouldn’t overcompensate a player who is on his way out when we need more than just one piece to complete this puzzle. It would be exciting and interesting, though, to see Paul in a Lakers uniform finally answering many fans' questions from 15 years ago. No matter what team it is, I know Chris Paul will give it his all.
