NBA veteran point guard Chris Paul is reportedly determined to play closer to home in Los Angeles next season.
One of the greatest point guards in NBA history, Chris Paul, is preparing to enter his 21st season in the league.
The 40-year-old veteran is still viewed as a potential valuable contributor for a contending team. He appeared in all 82 games last season and made a noticeable impact on the San Antonio Spurs with his experience and elite playmaking ability.
Paul is currently an unrestricted free agent, and while his future remains uncertain, there is growing speculation about where he might land next season.
Despite strong interest from the Dallas Mavericks, who are looking to replace the injured Kyrie Irving at the point guard position, it appears Paul is more likely to play closer to home.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Chris Paul is “determined” to play in Los Angeles if he returns for a 21st season.
“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,” Stein reported.
This might also be Paul’s last chance to share the court with his longtime friend LeBron James.
With all signs pointing toward his desire to play in Los Angeles, it seems increasingly likely that he will join the Lakers next season, as they are in search of a reliable point guard to play alongside LeBron and support Luka Doncic.
Paul was a valuable contributor last season for the Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds, playing around 28 minutes per game as a 40-year-old.
