The Los Angeles Lakers fanbase was fired up with championship dreams during the 2024–25 NBA season. After acquiring Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade on February 2, the franchise looked poised for a deep postseason run. They ended the regular season strong with a (50–32) record and entered the playoffs with confidence.
But hopes were dashed quickly as the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated them in just five games in the first round. Now weeks after their early exit, the Lakers are once again making headlines, but this time, it’s not for a rising star or an all-in trade. It’s the possibility of adding 40-year-old Chris Paul that has sparked heated debates.
Fans Are Skeptical of the Lakers Adding Chris Paul to Their Roster
Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein recently revealed that Paul is “determined” to play in Los Angeles for his 21st season. The report, posted via his “Stein Line” Substack, reignited speculation about where the former All-Star point guard may land.
“Chris Paul would be another Mavericks target at $5.7 million, but there is a growing belief that Paul after starting all 82 games last season in San Antonio as a 39-year-old newcomer to the Spurs is determined to play closer to his home base in Los Angeles if he indeed comes back for a 21st season,” wrote stein on his Substack.
Moreover, the speculation grew stronger when Paul himself, on “The Pat McAfee Show,” stated that he wanted to play in Los Angeles before his retirement.
“I talked to my family about it. My son is 16. My daughter is 12. The past six seasons, I have lived without them. I’ve been away from them for the last six years. That’s the conversation,” said Paul during the show.
That news alone was enough to get social media buzzing about which LA team will acquire him. That’s when one user on X compared Paul’s potential Lakers role to Rajon Rondo’s role.
Minimum.
Rondo role.Let’s do it, @Lakers. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ScIobcGK3s
— Ryan Rueda (@iDude14) June 28, 2025
This comparison crossed a line for many fans.
Paul, who is 40 years old, played in 82 games last season and averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds. While his availability was commendable, his production reflected a clear drop from his All-NBA prime.
That’s left many fans concerned about whether he can meaningfully contribute on a team that already has championship aspirations.
“Chris Paul isn’t Rondo, and I don’t want Lakers going in the direction of signing old players that want to play. But for the vet minimum and veteran leadership, it is intriguing,” wrote one user.
Chris Paul isn’t Rondo, and I don’t want Lakers going in the direction of signing old players that want to play. But for the vet minimum and veteran leadership, it is intriguing.
— Devin ☀️ (@DevDock) June 28, 2025
Back in 2020, Rondo stepped up big in the playoffs. He averaged 8.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 16 postseason games, and he was the secondary playmaker behind LeBron James, helping guide the Lakers to their 17th championship.
Fast forward to now, fans point out that Paul would be buried on the depth chart behind multiple playmakers
“Rondo was our secondary playmaker, but Chris Paul would be like 4th on this team,” said another fan.
Rondo was our secondary playmaker but Chris Paul would be like 4th on this team
— Monty (@MontyFED) June 28, 2025
With Dončić leading the charge and James still performing at a high level at age 40, the Lakers are already stacked. Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and even Dalton Knecht are all capable ball-handlers, leaving little room or necessity for another aging floor general like Paul.
“We already have so many playmakers on LA rn. Besides Luka, you can put Reaves, Gabe, heck, even DK, as PG. We don’t need another one,” wrote another user.
We already have so many playmakers on LA rn. Besides Luka, you can put Reaves, Gabe, heck, even DK, as PG. We dont need another one.
— Helyas Ravenfolks (@HRavenfolks) June 28, 2025
While most fans expressed skepticism about how Paul would fit into the Lakers’ already loaded backcourt, one fan took a different approach and chose to show respect rather than doubt.
“Point god for a reason,” said the fan.
Point god for a reason
— Luis Martinez (@MartinezLuis209) June 28, 2025
Unless Paul is willing to take a veteran minimum deal, fans don’t see the value. It remains to be seen what ultimately happens.
