Chris Paul has already built a legacy as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, but his legacy could get a boost should he lead the Phoenix Suns to a comeback series victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Let's just be honest: Chris Paul hasn't looked himself since he suffered a shoulder injury in Game 1 of the series. Suns head coach Monty Williams said as much after Game 3 on Thursday.

Paul himself appeared to vent frustrations when he made an allusion to referee Scott Foster during his own postgame press conference.

Indeed, the going is getting tough for CP3 and the Suns, who find themselves in a 2-1 hole against the defending champions.

Chris Paul is no stranger to injuries thwarting his chances of being an NBA champion. He injured his hamstring late in Game 5 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals with the Houston Rockets taking a 3-2 series lead over the Golden State Warriors. Houston would go on to lose consecutive games without Paul on the floor.

However, Paul can get redemption should he lead the Suns to a come-from-behind series win.

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Now, to say that scenario would have a drastic impact on his legacy might seem like a reach to some. It's just the first round, after all.

But remember, this is no ordinary first-round series. The Lakers, despite being the lower seed, were heavily favored to beat the Suns. Moreover, the friendship Chris Paul and LeBron James share is something of a backdrop as the two Western Conference contenders do battle. Those factors make this series take on amplified meaning.

So, how will Paul respond? He scored just seven points in Game 2 and was -20 in terms of plus-minus in Thursday's loss. The Suns need more from their leader, banged-up as he might be.

Other guys also need to raise their level of play. Devin Booker needs to recapture his scoring touch, and Phoenix can ill afford more poor shooting performances from Jae Crowder. Still, Paul is the one with the lengthy playoff experience and the most to gain from launching an inspired comeback.

Chris Paul has a serious opportunity to cement his legacy. A dramatic series over the Lakers might in turn spur the Suns on to a deep playoff run, which itself is an improbable notion given how the franchise has struggled in recent years.

Can Paul find it within himself to guide the Suns back into the series, or will Phoenix lay down and die? The answer could have implications for the “Point God” and his legacy.