According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs have emerged as potential landing spots for point guard Chris Paul if he hits free agency this offseason. Stein also mentioned that the Golden State Warriors are considering their options regarding Paul, whose $30 million salary for the 2024-2025 season becomes fully guaranteed on June 28.

There is a possibility that the Warriors and Paul could mutually agree to delay his guarantee deadline into July, which would benefit the team in sign-and-trade scenarios or a straightforward swap with another franchise. As the last remaining holdout from the famous banana boat crew, Paul has yet to team up with his friend LeBron James, and joining the Lakers could ease his transition into the purple and gold.

Despite being 39 years old, Paul's present form suggests that he would still provide valuable contributions and wouldn't be easily played off the court in the playoffs, unlike D'Angelo Russell. However, it is worth noting that signing an aging point guard with a history of injury struggles carries some obvious risk for the Lakers.

If the Lakers were to secure Paul's services, it would be viewed as a disappointment if that was their only significant move in the offseason. General manager Rob Pelinka has been linked to several high-caliber stars, and fans have high expectations for the team's roster improvements.

As for the Spurs, adding Paul to their roster would bring a boost of veteran leadership and playoff experience. With their solid infrastructure, San Antonio could provide Paul with a conducive environment to make an impact and potentially contend for championships.

As the June 28 guarantee deadline approaches, the NBA community eagerly awaits the decision of both the Warriors and Paul. The outcome could potentially reshape the landscape of the upcoming free agency period, with the Lakers and Spurs showcasing their interest in acquiring the 12-time All-Star point guard.