5 Dream Targets For Los Angeles Lakers In 2017 NBA Free Agency

Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

The Chris Paul saga, Part 2?

In 2011, the Lakers agreed to a trade that would send Pau Gasol to the Houston Rockets, and Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a 2012 first-round pick to the (then) New Orleans Hornets, in return for Paul.

Shortly after the team’s faithful following began celebrating, the league nixed the deal citing “basketball reasons.”

Now, the Lakers have an opportunity to do it all over again. Except in this case, they’d simply be getting Paul via free agency–assuming he declines his player option for 2017-18.

That way, Los Angeles would get their star guard a few years later, but without having to part with significant pieces to get the deal done.

It is worth noting that Paul is 31 years old, but hasn’t showed any signs of slowing just yet. He’s still one of the best playmakers in the NBA, and offers exceptional defense on the perimeter.

Even with D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, there’s no way the Lakers pass on the chance to sign CP3.

Despite his recent rash of injuries, Paul’s standing as an elite point guard will easily warrant a max contract. Even then, chances are high he rejoins the Clippers for continuity’s sake.