Los Angeles Lakers are looking for more help in their offense for the next season. Hence, they are looking at viable options for a point guard who can add more to their offensive power. But that would mean that the Lakers would have to trade valuable assets to close such deals. The front office did a great job right before the February trade deadline when they brought balance to their roster. As a result, the Lakers squad went on to reach the western conference finals after being the 13th seed before the crucial sign-in and trades.
These newly acquired players are also likely to become valuable assets for the future of the franchise. But the major concern for the Lakers team in the offseason is their cap space. Due to the presence of the top two stars – LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they can’t sign expensive contracts with players they have their eyes on. Hence, many of the February recruits, who are free agents in the offseason, will possibly move to other teams with bigger cap space. However, the Lakers are looking for an opportunity where they acquire Chris Paul from Phoneix Suns while also keeping D’Angelo Russell. But how is that possible, let us find out.
How Can The Lakers Keep D’Angelo Russell And Sign In Chris Paul?
Despite the fact that the Lakers would love the February recruits to stay, the front office has no other choice but to trade them. For instance, D’Angelo Russell is an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Moreover, he really let down the team in the conference finals. Eventually, the Lakers lost 0-4 to the Denver Nuggets, who went on to become the new champions. But D’Lo played the supporting role really well throughout the regular season and a little bit in the playoffs as well. Moreover, the fact that he began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers is also big. Hence, the front office would not give up on him so easily.
However, if the Lakers want to sign a point guard like Chris Paul, they have to trade some valuable assets. The Phoneix Suns can waive the 38-year-old Chris Paul in the offseason. Hence, the LA side may try to acquire him. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha also confirmed that “Lakers might plan to add Chris Paul, keeping D’Lo in the mix to solidify their point guard positions.” However, it is only possible if D’Lo asks for a contract that is within the price range Lakers were looking to offer him. If he had performed better in the offseason, then the team would be happy to offer him a $25 million contract. But now, it might be difficult to offer him more than $18 million.
Why Would The Suns Let Chris Paul Go?
On the other hand, Chris Paul has another $30 million contract for the next season with Phoneix Suns. But there is only a guarantee for 50% of it. That is the reason why the Suns are willing to waive him before June 29 deadline. If that happens, the Lakers side might jump on the opportunity as it will enable them to keep D’Lo.
Chris might be LeBron’s age, but he is too playing well at present. Moreover, with Paul and Russell on the roster, the LA side might have a good chance of rotation of the point guards. On top of that, the LA side has to make tough decisions in the offseason. As key players are free agents in the offseason. The front office would not want to trade key players or let players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Lonnie Walker IV, and so on go. Hence, if they can keep D’Lo along with acquiring Chris Paul would just be a bonus point. Especially for the front office of the Los Angeles Lakers.
