Why the Lakers Should Give a 12-Time All-Star His Last Chance to Play This Season
The January 7th defeat against the San Antonio Spurs served as a clear and resounding reminder that even a player of Luka Dončić's caliber cannot single-handedly turn around the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite Dončić’s historic achievement of a 38-point triple-double, the conspicuous absence of a secondary floor general was highly evident. With Austin Reaves sidelined for a minimum of four weeks and LeBron James contending with chronic foot and sciatica issues, the Lakers’ offensive strategy has become alarmingly foreseeable. Chris Paul has been awaiting an opportunity to join a team; initially, it appeared he could elevate the Clippers to championship contention upon signing with them. Presently, Paul finds himself a free agent with only a few months remaining in the season.
The Lakers are not seeking a prolific scorer, but instead stability. Signing Paul to a veteran minimum contract constitutes a low-risk transaction. The franchise has the capacity to sign and deploy Paul as a mentor to the next generation of Lakers, imparting insights on playing at an elite level. There exists a poetic justice in Chris Paul concluding his career wearing a Lakers jersey. In 2011, the NBA infamously vetoed a trade that would have paired Paul with Kobe Bryant. To conclude his career in the same arena where that opportunity was denied, while sharing the court with LeBron and Luka, would epitomize a quintessential full-circle moment for the franchise.
During the game against the Spurs, the Lakers’ offensive rating declined significantly when Dončić was on the bench. The current rotation depends on young guards such as Nick Smith Jr. and Bronny James, who possess considerable potential yet lack the advanced game-management skills essential for a prolonged playoff run. Even in his final season, Chris Paul remains one of the most precise and strategic navigators of pick-and-roll plays in history. The Lakers are approaching the playoffs. It is incumbent upon Rob Pelinka to make an informed decision. Grant CP3 his final opportunity, provide Luka with additional support, and deliver the veteran leadership that this era of the Lakers desperately requires. Paul deserves one last run, and who better than with his friend LeBron in L.A.
