Chris Paul just fueled speculations that he could be joining the Los Angeles Lakers after he was spotted with Russell Westbrook in LA.
Westbrook was recently acquired by the Lakers in a deal that sent Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell to the Washington Wizards. While the transaction can only be finalized at the end of the moratorium, it is all but a done deal at this point—with the players involved in the trade confirming the development.
With that said, when Paul was seen hanging out with Westbrook ahead of free agency and amid rumors linking him to the Lakers, fans couldn't help but speculate they would be teaming up.
Chris Paul and new Laker Russell Westbrook spotted together in LA 👀
(via Reddit u/roll10deep) pic.twitter.com/TA1TGryShE
— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) August 1, 2021
It is also worth noting that this came after reports surfaced that Chris Paul is declining his $44.2 million option with the Phoenix Suns to become an unrestricted free agent. While there is a belief he did so to work a new deal with the NBA Finals contenders, it's hard not to think otherwise given his latest activity.
However, given the contracts of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, it seems unlikely the Lakers will be able to sign Paul on the massive contract he's expecting to get. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, CP3 is seeking a three-year, $100 million deal.
Also, the acquisition of Westbrook makes it less likely for the team to still pursue Paul.
At the end of the day, the photo of the two together could just be of peers hanging out and nothing more.
Follow Us
Subscribe