NBA Rumors: Lakers Could Field Multi-Player Backcourt Package For Chris Paul

The Los Angeles Lakers are still busy handling their current NBA Finals run but it is clear that they need a point guard by next season. Rajon Rondo is still there but there are murmurs on Chris Paul possibly being an option. Considering CP3 has an enormous contract, getting him to play for the purple and gold is seen by many as a long shot.

But if the Lakers are determined to take him in, offering multiple assets could be worth considering for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Several scenarios are being suggested with Danny Green and JR Smith among the players speculated to be part of the package.

For the rebuilding Thunder, taking in veterans at this point could make sense. With a young squad, OKC needs some leaders on board, making Green and Smith plausible. But between the two, only Green may have a good chance of being retained. Smith could be eventually waived if ever a deal does come true.

As for other assets, this comes in the form of young players or future picks. Talen Horton-Tucker, Alex Carusso or Quinn Cook could make sense if the Lakers are open to dealing them away. The Lakers could also throw in their conditional 2021 first-round pick to sweeten the pot.

But right now, the question is should the Lakers even consider adding Paul at all. Already 35, Paul is entering the final two years of his contract where he will earn roughly $85.5 million. Most see the Thunder trying to trade him out to make room for other players. Despite that clamor, Paul is more concerned about continuing to play – regardless of where he may end up.

For the Lakers, adding someone with a hefty paycheck may make no sense. The priority in the offseason is to re-sign Anthony Davis, someone likely to be courted by several suitors. But if the Lakers win the 2019-20 NBA title, that chase may be for naught. The Brow is likely to stay on in Hollywood to try and win more titles for Los Angeles.

The Lakers hold a 2-1 edge in the NBA Finals and face the undermanned-Miami Heat Tuesday night. Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic remain questionable but the Heat have shown they can win even without the two stars. A lot of that is due to the efforts of Jimmy Butler who ironically is not at 100-percent as well.