Lakers: 1 trade and 1 free-agent signing for L.A. to win the offseason
By John Buhler
Sign point guard Chris Paul away from the rival Phoenix Suns in free agency
With Dennis Schröder expected to depart in his free agency this summer, why not replace him with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Chris Paul? While Paul is absolutely thriving playing for the Phoenix Suns this season, he does have a player option for 2021-22 that he can get out of. If he does go that route, then let’s pray for a Banana Boat crew reunion in Los Angeles.
2021-22 will be Paul’s age-36 season out of Wake Forest. While he is a no-doubt, first-ballot hall of famer like James and Davis, he has yet to reach an NBA Finals. Though this could all change with the Suns winning two more playoff series, the clock is certainly ticking on his ability to get that elusive ring. So at this time, why not link up with James and Davis for one last crack at it?
Every team Paul plays for wins, no matter how dire the circumstances were upon his arrival. Phoenix had not been in the playoffs in a decade prior to this year. Wasn’t Oklahoma City trying to rebuild two years ago? Regardless, his competitive nature and bulldog mentality is exactly what the Lakers could use to combat potential complacency. He will want to win and they will do so.
Even if Paul does not hit the free-agency market and opts to stay with the Suns, there are other veteran point guards for the Lakers to pursue. Those include Mike Conley of the Utah Jazz and Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors. Lowry has already won a championship with Toronto. Conley has his best shot of doing so now that he is firmly entrenched with the top-seeded Jazz this postseason.
The Lakers need to make moves this summer, but maybe these two big ones will help the most?