Though Paul isn't the All-Star-caliber player he once was, he's continued to contribute over the past few seasons. Last year with the San Antonio Spurs, he started all 82 games and put up 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

The Los Angeles Lakers need more than help at the center spot this summer in order to become legitimate championship contenders next season. They need some help at the wing and guard spots and better bench depth in order to become an elite team.

With those words, Paul signaled the end of an era, one marked by surgical playmaking, unrelenting leadership, and a near-religious devotion to the art of basketball. While the vet