Lakers Could Rescue Chris Paul’s Career After Clippers’ Stunning Decision

The NBA world woke up to chaos on Wednesday morning as the Los Angeles Clippers released Chris Paul in the middle of a road trip — a move that infuriated fans and blindsided one of the greatest point guards in league history.

This was supposed to be Paul’s final season, a homecoming year to close out his Hall-of-Fame career where it all began. Instead, the Clippers let him go quietly, in the middle of the night, without even a chance to play a final game.

But there may still be a lifeline.

The Los Angeles Lakers could step in and give CP3 the farewell he deserves.

🔓 A Roster Spot Exists — And CP3 Fits Perfectly

The Lakers currently hold 14 full-time NBA contracts, meaning one roster spot remains open. That alone makes the situation intriguing. Even more important: Chris Paul was already playing on a veteran minimum deal ($1.2M) with the Clippers — a number the Lakers can match without financial hurdles.

From a basketball standpoint, the fit is logical:

• CP3 is a close friend of LeBron James
• He is the godfather of Bronny James
• He previously played with JJ Redick, now Lakers head coach
• Young players would benefit enormously from his leadership and IQ

Paul wouldn’t need to shoulder a star’s workload. He would be a stabilizer, a floor general, and a mentor during a crucial stretch of the season.

There is one obstacle, though:

The Lakers cannot sign a 15th player until January 19 due to roster rules. That delay opens the door for another team to jump first and make an offer.

Even so, any franchise giving CP3 a respectful final landing spot would be a welcome alternative to how the Clippers handled things.

⚡ Chris Paul and the Clippers: A Legacy Disrespected

Paul played some of the best basketball of his life in a Clippers uniform. The franchise’s rise throughout the 2010s is inseparable from his presence.

• He is No. 2 all-time in NBA assists
• Architect of the iconic “Lob City” era
• Led L.A. to some of its best seasons ever, including the 2014 division title
• Helped produce five straight 50-win seasons, an unprecedented run for the team

Before CP3, the Clippers were widely seen as the Lakers’ “little brother.”

With him, they became legitimate contenders and one of the league’s most electrifying teams.

Which makes Wednesday’s decision even more baffling — and, to many fans, unacceptable.

The Clippers waived Paul during a road trip, leaving him to return to Los Angeles alone, in the middle of the night, without so much as a final appearance or farewell ovation.

For a player who helped redefine the franchise, it was a painful and disrespectful ending.

🏁 What Comes Next for CP3?

At 40 years old and in his final season, Chris Paul deserves a proper send-off — and the Lakers are one of the few teams positioned to offer it.

Whether he ends up alongside LeBron and JJ Redick or finds a landing spot elsewhere, the hope around the league is simple:

Let Chris Paul finish his legendary career with dignity.

The Clippers didn’t give him that chance.

Another franchise — possibly the Lakers — still can.