Paul is going to the Lakers? ! 3.6 million in 1 year! 15 years late!

Just today, according to the latest reports from many parties, Chris Paul is significantly increasing in the possibility of joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

Paul signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Spurs in 2024 and became a free agent after it expires in the summer of 2025. Due to the injury of Wenban Yama and the need for adjustment of the team's strategic direction, the Spurs have reached a buyout agreement with Paul.

It is reported that the Lakers plan to provide a one-year, $3.6 million basic salary contract, while the Knicks offer a one-year, $6 million offer to attract Paul to join.

It is expected that Paul will decide where to go in the next few weeks, and the Lakers management is also actively promoting the further development of negotiations, striving to finalize the signing in the early stages of the free market.

Do fans still remember that Paul was close to joining the Lakers in 2011, but the transaction was rejected due to the official "basketball reasons" of the NBA, which has become a regret for fans of both sides for many years. If this trip is completed, it will be regarded as "a dream that has been realized for 15 years in a belated manner."

It is worth mentioning that Paul and LeBron James are close friends (both "Banana Boat Brothers"). James has repeatedly expressed his hope to fight side by side with Paul. If he joins, Paul will become the last banana boat member to the same team as James. Wade and Anthony have previously worked with James.

The Lakers not only have friends James, but also Paul owns real estate and business investments in Los Angeles, where his family has settled for a long time. Returning to Los Angeles helps it balances its end-of-career and family life.

This year, the Lakers attracted Doncic and were considered a favorite to compete for the championship, but they were in bad luck and fell in the first round. Some time ago, Rivers Jr. had another rumor that he would not implement the player option and rejected the Lakers' offer. In the 2024-25 season, Rivers Jr. averaged 20 points and 6 assists per game in the Lakers, with a three-point shooting percentage of 41%, becoming a high-quality point guard. The Lakers provided $86 million for three years (average salary of about 28.67 million), but he believed that it was not worth it and tore up the contract on the spot. It can be said that leaving the team is a foregone conclusion.

The Lakers have more championship background as traditional giants. Paul has no championship in his career. If the Lakers continue to strengthen the inside (such as trading Clarkston), his chances of winning the championship will be regarded as a better choice.

The Lakers have always lacked stable organizers in recent years, and James has been under too much pressure to hold the ball. Paul was still able to contribute 8 assists per game last season, and his game control ability, key ball decisions and playoff experience (12 All-Stars, 7 Best Defensive Team) can provide great help to the team.

Paul is 40 years old this year, and his only shortcomings are physical fitness and injury risks (the playing time was limited due to changes in the Spurs lineup last season). But it does not affect the probability of joining the Lakers, because Paul is more likely to join the Lakers (about 70%).

If the Lakers can complete the inside reinforcement at the same time, if they attract inside players like Clarkston, Paul is expected to sign with a basic salary to end his career's last struggle. The final decision may be announced after the free market opens in late June, so let's wait and see.