The Los Angeles Lakers could acquire a steady veteran point guard this season with the perfect trade package.
A future Hall of Fame San Antonio Spurs contributor with zero championships on his resume may soon receive a call from the Lakers.
“Los Angeles is a middle-pack team as things stand, but the Lakers believe that they can go on another title run,” Newsweek’s Matt Levine wrote Thursday.”
“The Lakers still have LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, giving themselves some hope if they can reach the postseason.”
“But once they get there, the roster needs an upgrade if they truly want to contend. Los Angeles needs more help on the defensive end of the floor while also improving their three-point shooting.”
“In this new trade scenario (D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, and two future draft picks to the Spurs for Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes) the Lakers make a deal to land a multi-time All-Star guard who has been on their radar for some time now.”
“The team also lands a wing that can shoot the three-point shot well and defend at a high level.”
“This trade would be a little bit of a risk due to Paul’s health, but if he’s healthy, he could help this team. Paul can help take a load off James in running the team down the stretch of games.”
“Even at his age, Paul has continued to play at a high level. For the year, he has averaged 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game.”
“The veteran is on an expiring contract so Los Angeles wouldn’t be tied to him for a long time. This could finally get the All-Star to the Lakers after so many years of being linked together.”
“Barnes could greatly help this team with its wing defenders. Although he isn’t the same player he once was, he would instantly be the best option for Los Angeles.”
“During the season, Barnes averages 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He has also shot 44.7% from beyond the 3-point line this year.”
“All in all, this deal could give the Lakers a better chance to compete in the Western Conference. It will be up to general manager Rob Pelinka to get a deal done this season while also maintaining flexibility down the line.”
Paul may not be the superstar he was in his prime, but in Year 20, the 12-time All-Star is still an impactful NBA contributor.
Paul nearly averages a double-double on a Spurs squad headed in a positive direction.
In Los Angeles, Paul would enjoy utilizing his elite basketball acumen and pick-and-roll creativity to dissect defenses nightly.
If the Lakers are interested in landing an experienced guard with one of the wisest minds in the game, Paul should undoubtedly be considered.
