REPORT: After Landing Deandre Ayton, Lakers Now Eye Chris Paul Reunion to Rekindle 2021 Suns Finals Chemistry in LA

The Los Angeles Lakers are making bold moves this offseason, and they may not be done yet. According to league sources, after successfully acquiring big man Deandre Ayton, the Lakers front office has shifted its focus toward free agent point guard Chris Paul, hoping to reunite the veteran playmaker with Ayton in purple and gold.

The Lakers are clearly signaling their intention to go all-in for a championship run. Just days after pulling off the surprising deal to bring in Ayton — the former No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft — reports now suggest that general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office view Paul as the ideal floor general to orchestrate LA’s offense. The organization believes Paul’s leadership, basketball IQ, and history with Ayton could spark immediate chemistry, much like their successful partnership during the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 run to the NBA Finals.

Paul, 39, was recently waived by the Golden State Warriors, making him an unrestricted free agent. Despite his age, CP3 remains one of the most respected point guards in the league, bringing veteran savvy, playoff experience, and elite court vision. With uncertainty surrounding the Lakers’ backcourt depth and ongoing questions about how best to maximize Anthony Davis and LeBron James in what could be their final window together, Paul’s potential addition is seen as a calculated move to stabilize the roster.

It’s a fascinating twist of fate for both Paul and Ayton. The duo played pivotal roles in the Suns’ magical 2020-21 season, which culminated in Phoenix reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. Led by Paul’s playmaking and leadership alongside Devin Booker, and powered by Ayton’s interior presence, the Suns surged through the Western Conference. Though they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, the Suns’ Finals run cemented both players’ reputations as high-impact contributors on the biggest stage.

The Lakers are now banking on recreating that dynamic, this time in Los Angeles under the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena. For Ayton, the move to LA already represents a fresh start after a rollercoaster tenure with the Suns. Despite his undeniable talent and statistical production, Ayton’s relationship with the Phoenix organization became strained, particularly following internal criticism regarding his consistency and motor. By joining forces with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and potentially Chris Paul, Ayton has a golden opportunity to reset the narrative and flourish in a system where his strengths can be maximized.

Sources say the Lakers view Ayton as a critical piece to revamping their interior presence. His ability to run the floor, finish around the rim, rebound, and provide rim protection addresses several key weaknesses exposed during LA’s playoff shortcomings in recent seasons. With Ayton in the fold, the Lakers have filled their longstanding void at center, and adding Paul would further solidify their identity as a veteran-driven, experienced squad built for deep playoff runs.

The potential Paul-Ayton reunion also underscores the Lakers’ commitment to surrounding their core with battle-tested, playoff-proven pieces. LeBron James, now entering his 22nd NBA season, has made it clear that he wants to compete for championships, not undergo a rebuild. The acquisition of Ayton, coupled with their pursuit of Paul, indicates that the front office is aligned with that vision.

While questions remain about Paul’s durability — the veteran guard has dealt with various injuries in recent years, including a back injury that limited him during his stint with the Warriors — league insiders believe the Lakers plan to manage his minutes carefully. The goal would be to preserve Paul for the postseason, where his experience and ability to control the tempo could prove invaluable.

Additionally, the Lakers’ coaching staff, led by new head coach JJ Redick, reportedly supports the pursuit of Paul. Redick, who played alongside Paul during their time with the Los Angeles Clippers, holds the future Hall of Famer in high regard and believes his presence would accelerate the team’s chemistry-building process, especially with Ayton and the existing stars.

There’s also a sense of unfinished business for both Paul and Ayton. The 2021 Finals run showcased their potential, but their journey together was cut short when Paul was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2023, and Ayton’s tenure in Phoenix deteriorated. Reuniting in Los Angeles offers a second chance to chase the championship that eluded them in Phoenix — this time with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as allies rather than obstacles.

Financially, sources suggest the Lakers would look to sign Paul on a veteran minimum deal or utilize their mid-level exception, depending on roster moves and cap space flexibility. Given Paul’s desire to contend for a title and his close relationship with LeBron, insiders believe the veteran guard would be receptive to joining the Lakers under team-friendly terms.

For Lakers fans, the idea of adding Paul stirs mixed emotions. Some point to his injury history and advancing age as reasons for caution, while others view his leadership, court awareness, and familiarity with high-stakes basketball as precisely what the Lakers need to complement their current core. Notably, Paul has long been linked to the Lakers throughout his career, dating back to the infamous 2011 trade that was vetoed by the NBA, preventing him from joining Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles. More than a decade later, the possibility of CP3 finally donning Lakers gold feels poetic.

The broader NBA landscape would undoubtedly take notice if this reunion materializes. The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, with the defending champion Denver Nuggets, rising Oklahoma City Thunder, retooled Phoenix Suns, and others vying for supremacy. The Lakers’ response appears to be doubling down on veteran experience and rekindling proven chemistry, hoping that a core of LeBron, Davis, Ayton, Paul, and their supporting cast can make another deep playoff push.

In terms of fit, Paul’s arrival would likely stabilize the Lakers’ half-court offense, which has often stagnated without a true floor general on the court. His pick-and-roll proficiency, especially with a mobile big like Ayton, gives LA a reliable offensive option. Moreover, Paul’s defensive acumen and ability to mentor younger players, like Austin Reaves and Max Christie, would provide intangible benefits beyond the stat sheet.

Ultimately, the Lakers’ pursuit of Chris Paul represents both a strategic basketball decision and a compelling storyline. Reuniting Paul and Ayton in Los Angeles taps into the familiar formula that nearly propelled the Suns to the championship mountaintop — only this time, the stakes are even higher, the lights shine brighter, and the expectations are championship-or-bust.

While no official agreement has been reached, league insiders anticipate movement in the coming days. With Ayton already in tow and Chris Paul reportedly intrigued by the opportunity, Lakers Nation waits eagerly to see if one of the most respected point guards in NBA history finally becomes part of the franchise’s championship pursuit.

If the front office pulls it off, the Los Angeles Lakers could be primed for one of the most intriguing redemption stories in recent memory — one where old rivals become new teammates, and unfinished business finally finds closure under the Hollywood spotlight.