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Former NBA Champion ‘85% Sure’ Chris Paul is Headed to Lakers to Replace Rajon Rondo

Published 11/05/2020, 2:33 PM EST

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The Los Angeles Lakers struck gold during the 2019 offseason. They signed players like 3X DPOY Dwight Howard and Avery Bradley, who contributed significantly to the team’s success. A year has passed and we are now heading towards a new season and there are strong rumors connecting Chris Paul and the Lake show.

How would it be if the Los Angeles Lakers traded Chris Paul during the offseason? It certainly seems like an exciting idea, and Kendrick Perkins strongly favors it. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Sedano & LZ, the 2008 NBA champion named one player the Lakers might lose and another they might gain.

USA Today via Reuters

“To be honest, I think the Lakers are going to lose (Rajon) Rondo. I really do – I think the Lakers are going to land Chris Paul, I think Rondo is going to be with the Clippers and I think y’all gonna lose Playoff Rondo. I think that’s a guy that y’all are going to lose,” Perkins said.

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A significant reason why the Lakers and Chris Paul trade seems likely to happen

CP3 to the Lakers will certainly be a sensational trade. Of course, the Lakers would have to part with some of their wealth to obtain the 10x All-Star. The franchise might incline towards the move due to several factors, and Perkins put forth one of them: 

“We all know how great of friends LeBron James and Chris Paul are.”

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 This statement is indeed true, but having two primary ball handlers on the same team: Would it work? We’ll leave it up to you to decide, but Perkins is staying firm with his notion. 

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“I can see it happening right now, with Chris possibly coming up with a buyout if they can’t come together and get a trade done. I’m like 85% sure Chris Paul will be a Laker next year,” Perkins added.

Chris Paul has a signed contract that keeps him at OKC till 2021. However, he can cancel the deal, agree on a buyout, and part ways with the Thunder. Paul coming to the Lakers will certainty a dream come true as he’ll finally escape the ghosts of the infamous 2011 vetoed trade. 

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However, there are certain factors to look at. How would the duo of LeBron and Anthony Davis co-exist when CP3 joins as the third superstar in the team? It would really look messy if they push him to become the third most important player, considering his previous stints in the NBA.

At the end of the day, it might look like a win-win for both parties, but it really isn’t. The Lakers would have to shell out a lot to acquire Paul, and they might just be able to achieve the double without him

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya

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Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.
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