Chris Paul, one of the most iconic point guards in NBA history, continues to attract significant attention in the league even as he approaches the twilight of his career. Known for his exceptional court vision, leadership, and basketball IQ, Paul has long been a player fans speculate about when it comes to potential championship-contending rosters. Over the years, his name has been linked with several top-tier teams, none more frequently or romantically than the Los Angeles Lakers. Given his close friendship with LeBron James and the Lakers’ persistent need for a floor general to lead their second unit or run the offense alongside LeBron, the idea of Chris Paul in the purple and gold has become a favorite among NBA fans and media personalities alike. However, as of July 2025, there has been no official report by ESPN or any other reputable sports news outlet confirming that Chris Paul has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Instead, what has been verified by ESPN and reported by senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski is that Chris Paul has signed a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The contract, reportedly worth over \$11 million, marks another chapter in Paul’s long and storied career. His move to San Antonio was a calculated decision following his release from the Golden State Warriors, where he spent the 2023–2024 NBA season. During his tenure with the Warriors, Paul transitioned into a sixth-man role, contributing off the bench with steady playmaking and veteran leadership. Despite the respect he commanded, Golden State opted to waive him for salary cap and roster flexibility reasons, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Following his release, speculation around Paul’s next move heated up quickly. Several teams were rumored to be interested, and the Los Angeles Lakers were naturally among them. The Lakers, fresh off another playoff push led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, were in search of experienced backcourt help to stabilize their second unit and provide an additional playmaking option. Chris Paul, given his experience and his long-standing relationship with LeBron, seemed like an ideal candidate. There were countless think pieces, fan-generated mock lineups, and social media discussions envisioning Paul in a Lakers jersey, orchestrating the offense at Crypto.com Arena.
Nevertheless, while the possibility was tantalizing for Lakers fans, it ultimately did not materialize. ESPN never confirmed that a deal was in the works between Paul and the Lakers, nor was there any credible evidence that negotiations were nearing completion. Instead, Paul took a different route, choosing to sign with the Spurs—a team brimming with young talent, including 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. His decision, though surprising to some, made sense upon closer inspection. In San Antonio, Paul would have the opportunity to mentor a promising young core, share his vast knowledge of the game, and continue competing at a high level without the immense pressure that comes with joining a title-or-bust franchise like the Lakers.
San Antonio offers Paul not only a chance to extend his career but also a different kind of legacy—one centered on mentorship and leadership rather than just chasing a championship. With coach Gregg Popovich at the helm, Paul joins one of the most respected coaching minds in basketball history. The pairing of Popovich and Paul is intriguing in its own right, bringing together two of the sharpest minds in the game. Their shared respect for basketball fundamentals, discipline, and execution could lead to a strong cultural influence on the young Spurs roster, potentially accelerating the development of players like Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell.
Meanwhile, the Lakers continued their offseason strategy without Paul. They focused on retooling their roster around their core players, looking for affordable, younger role players and maintaining financial flexibility for the future. While the idea of adding Paul was undoubtedly discussed internally, his salary demands and desire for a different role may not have aligned with the Lakers’ strategic direction. The team may also have preferred to allocate their resources toward younger, more athletic guards who could complement their pace-and-space style of play.
It’s important to note that this is not the first time Chris Paul and the Lakers have been linked. In fact, the most famous “almost” trade in NBA history involved Paul being sent to the Lakers from the then-New Orleans Hornets in 2011. The deal, which would have paired him with Kobe Bryant, was famously vetoed by then-NBA Commissioner David Stern for what he termed “basketball reasons.” That moment continues to haunt Lakers fans and has become a pivotal “what if” in league history. Ever since that vetoed trade, the idea of Paul donning a Lakers jersey has remained alive in the collective imagination of NBA followers, resurfacing almost every offseason. But reality has never quite aligned with the narrative fans so eagerly wanted to see fulfilled.
The situation with Chris Paul also speaks to the larger dynamics at play in NBA free agency. Veteran stars, especially those with Hall of Fame credentials like Paul, often face a complex market in the final years of their careers. Teams weigh their current abilities, potential injury risks, leadership value, and salary expectations. Paul’s willingness to accept a bench role in Golden State showed his adaptability, but it didn’t necessarily guarantee a smooth path to a contender like the Lakers. The Spurs’ offer not only gave him a respectable salary but also likely included a defined role that aligned with his current strengths as a player-coach type of figure.
For the Lakers, while missing out on Chris Paul might be disappointing for fans yearning to see LeBron and CP3 finally team up, the front office has remained focused on building around their superstar core in ways that make long-term sense. LeBron himself, entering his 22nd season, has always spoken highly of Paul and likely would have welcomed the addition. But team-building in the NBA is rarely as simple as connecting friendships and history; it involves cap considerations, fit, health projections, and future planning.
In conclusion, the widely circulated claim that Chris Paul has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers is not based on fact. ESPN has not reported such an agreement, and there is no credible evidence supporting the rumor. On the contrary, Paul’s most recent move was to the San Antonio Spurs, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources including ESPN and NBA insiders. The signing marks a strategic decision by Paul to take on a mentorship role within a young, developing team, potentially leaving a different kind of legacy in the process. While the dream of a LeBron-Paul Lakers duo may forever linger in the minds of fans, the reality as of now is that they will remain close friends and rivals, rather than teammates sharing the floor in L.A. The NBA is full of surprises, and nothing can ever be ruled out completely, but for now, Chris Paul in a Lakers jersey remains a scenario left to imagination, not reality.
