Ex-Lakers Center Doubts Chris Paul Will Make Positively Impact New Team

From the top rope!

Former Phoenix Sun and current Golden State Warrior point guard Chris Paul made headlines after he was traded from Washington to the Bay Area for Jordan Poole this summer. 

While many are excited about what the veteran will provide for the franchise, one former Laker expressed doubt on how impactful Paul would be for Golden State.

DeMarcus Cousins on Chris Paul:

“As far as it being about basketball, the x’s and o’s on the court, I don’t really see that elevating the Golden State Warriors, to be honest.”

(via @SiriusXMNBA) pic.twitter.com/eevLoox5BD

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 2, 2023

Cousins spent one year with LA after he signed as a free agent ironically from the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2019.

Nicknamed Boogie, Cousins unfortunately suffered a season ending injury before he could suit up for the purple and gold and watched from afar as Los Angeles conquered the bubble for the 2020 championship. 

After bouncing around the other LA franchise in the 2021 playoffs and spending some time with multiple teams in 2022, Cousins spent this past season in Puerto Rico playing overseas. 

Paul himself has had some down years in his most recent seasons with the Suns. After a record breaking season for total wins in 2022, Phoenix had a massive collapse against the Dallas Mavericks in seven games including an embarrassing blowout to end their season. 

In the 2023 season, despite dealing for Kevin Durant midseason the Valley saw another collapse at home in Game 6 by a lopsided margin to end their season without a championship. 

Struggling with a hamstring injury to end his postseason early, Paul exited the Suns after a the team's desire to waive or trade him. 

The latter option was selected as Paul was shipped to Washington for Bradley Beal in a new big four for Arizona's NBA franchise. The Point God wouldn't stick around in the nation's capital for too long as the Warriors dealt for the former All-NBA guard for young asset Jordan Poole among other pieces. 

We'll see how it works out for Paul for one of LA's biggest division rivals in the twilight of his career, but it seems at least one former Laker is casting doubt on this next chapter.

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