Los Angeles Lakers: 5 free agents to target this summer

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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No. 4: Chris Paul

It was pure joy for Lakers fans when the team traded for Chris Paul in 2011. Then it was immediate heartbreak and confusion when the trade was vetoed and he ended up with the crosstown rival Clippers.

Now the Lakers have a second chance at the guy who has dominated them in the West since that trade fell through. It is a long shot that Chris Paul would jump ship from a team that was one win away from the finals, to a team that missed the playoffs last season. However, there have been rumors that there is a growing tension between him and the Houston Rockets franchise.

There have also been talks that he and close friend LeBron James could team up somewhere other than Houston or Cleveland. The Los Angeles Lakers would seemingly be the perfect place for them to do just that.

They could even form a big three if the Lakers traded some of their young pieces for Kawhi Leonard before free agency begins. Both of them might have realized they do not have what it takes to beat the Golden State Warriors on their current rosters, so this could be a realistic scenario.

They also both have been known to dabble in Hollywood either on the big screen or in commercials. That surely would not play a huge factor in Paul’s decision, but playing his last few years in the league with James could help him win a championship and set them up perfectly for life after basketball.

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