The Los Angeles Lakers have been featured in many different rumors this offseason.
Trade rumors surrounding Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Derrick Rose.
It has also been reported that the Lakers are eager to move off of Danny Green in an attempt to free up cap space for a Danilo Gallinari or Victor Oladipo.
But, as of late, an NBA insider has shut down the rumors of Chris Paul.
ESPN’s very own Stephen A. Smith dropped the latest on their morning show, First Take.
Chris Paul Does Not Want To Go “Ring Chasing”
On his morning show, First Take, along with Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose, Stephen A. provides America with the latest scoop on where CP3 might end up playing.
Spoiler alert, it’s for the step-child of Los Angeles; the Clippers.
Bottom Line: @CP3 does not want to go the @LAKERS. The @Clippers are an ideal situation for him. pic.twitter.com/k32fBYpOns
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 11, 2020
In this clip, Stephen A. Smith is quoted stating the following:
“He does not want to go to the Lakers, I don’t know the reasons why. I deduce, from what I’ve heard, that the reasons he doesn’t want to go to the Lakers is they’re already established, they’ve already accomplished and there’s really nothing to do for them. They would only be doing something for him and that is ring chasing and that’s not the kind of ring chasing he wants to be apart of.”
Contrary to belief, the Lakers could use a third scorer on that team.
Although many understand the premise of joining the former champions comes off as a weakness, for Chris Paul, it could be only his potential hope of getting an NBA ring.
Him, King James, and AD would be one hell of a trio if the Lakers are to pull the trigger.
But, Stephen A. feels that the Clippers are more intriguing for Chris Paul as they currently lack the leadership that CP3 brings.
Smith also reports that Paul wants to play for Ty Lue and so, it’s very possible that CP3 has a reunion with his Clippers.
Stephen A. Smith’s co-worker, Kendrick Perkins, disagrees.
Kendrick Perkins thinks Chris Paul will end up with the Lakers this offseason https://t.co/XaCHXL553D pic.twitter.com/LLL6mJpxBJ
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersSBN) November 5, 2020
Regardless, it appears most believe CP3 will not be on the Thunder next season.
It should be interesting to see how it all unfolds in the upcoming weeks.
Los Angeles Lakers Plan B?
If Stephen A. Smith is right and CP3 doesn’t want to go ring chasing, what’s next for the Lakers?
They have made it clear they are going to be active during free agency.
Do they trade for a Bradley Beal?
Do they trade for Derrick Rose?
News broke last night that Houston Rockets G, Russell Westbrook has requested a trade.
Rockets’ Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2020
Do the Lakers go out on a limb and try to acquire Westbrook?
The good news is that they have viable options in the market.
But, in order to go about one of these deals, they would need to free up space and that means they will most likely package Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green.
Although the Lakers were successful in winning an NBA title without a legitimate third scorer, they would like to bring in someone that they can rely on when LBJ and AD need a rest.
NEXT: Danny Green Says He "Doesn't Owe" Anything To Fans For Missed Shot
