Veteran point guard Chris Paul, released by the Los Angeles Clippers during a recent road trip, is not expected to land with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Paul, 40, declared before the season that 2025-26 would be his final year and chose to finish it where he once helped revive the Clippers franchise. However, the Clippers’ disappointing campaign prompted the organization to cut ties with the five-time assists leader.
Speculation immediately surfaced about a short move across town, especially after Lakers guard Austin Reaves was ruled out for at least four weeks. Despite that need, Fischer reported the Lakers “are not considering Paul as a potential in-season addition,” noting the club’s preference since last offseason to acquire players under 30.
Los Angeles already has multiple ball-handlers—LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent and Marcus Smart—leaving little room for Paul, who would not address the team’s defensive lapses. General manager Rob Pelinka is instead expected to prioritize younger 3-and-D options as the trade deadline approaches.
James, a close friend of Paul’s, declined to comment on the guard’s sudden departure from the Clippers.
Source: Lakers Nation
