Overview

• Los Angeles is prioritizing the addition of veteran leadership and a defensive-minded center after its first-round playoff exit.
• Chris Paul has publicly expressed a desire to return to Los Angeles to be near his teenage children.
• The 20-year NBA veteran started all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs this season, underlining his reliability.
• Paul’s established rapport with head coach JJ Redick and close friendship with LeBron James enhance his appeal in LA.
• Facing luxury-tax limitations, the Lakers plan to use expiring contracts and veteran-minimum deals to pursue Paul.