Will Chris Paul Join LeBron, Lakers? Latest Timeline for When PG Could Land Contract

After parting ways with the Los Angeles Clippers, veteran point guard Chris Paul could have the chance to remain in Hollywood, but he would have to wait a while.

ESPN's Bobby Marks reported that the Los Angeles Lakers "have an open roster spot and could be an option" for Paul, but also noted that they're not allowed to sign a 15th player until Jan. 19.

Paul is known to be a close friend of Lakers star forward LeBron James, though they've never had the opportunity to team up together in the NBA. Los Angeles recently lost veteran guard Marcus Smart to a back injury, so Paul could fill that void while chasing his first NBA title in his final season alongside James.

Despite Paul's announcement that the 2025-26 season would be his last, the Clippers surprisingly opted to part ways with him in an overnight move. The team has a 5-16 record and has lost each of its last five games.

"We are parting ways with Chris and he will no longer be with the team," Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "We will work with him on the next step of his career. Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we've struggled. We're grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise."

Paul's priority likely will be to land with a team that can help him win his first NBA championship, so the Lakers will certainly be in the running. They lead the Pacific Division with a 15-5 record while being led by star point guard Luka Doncic, who is one of the early frontrunners for NBA MVP.