3. Chris Paul will not come at a cheap price
Chris Paul is not a free-agent this offseason. This is bad news for the Lakers if they are serious in pursuing him as they will have to go up some players and potentially some draft picks.
The Lakers are one of few teams that can’t really afford to deal any assets for an aging star. In last year’s offseason, the Lakers dealt the farm for Anthony Davis. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and picks were dealt for the superstar.
The trade was a win for both sides despite the Lakers giving up a lot of talent. All three players are playing well in New Orleans. Davis is averaging 26.7 points and 9.4 rebounds and is one of the league’s best defenders.
The Lakers have struck out in the past in deals for aging stars. Remember when the Lakers traded for Steve Nash and Dwight Howard? Those deals haunted the Lakers for a few years. Paul might not be over the hill like those guys but they also have less to offer than they did at the time.
In order to get Paul, they will certainly have to throw in some picks and possibly Kyle Kuzma and/or Alex Caruso.