Los Angeles Lakers: Can the Lakers land Chris Paul?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder is fouled by Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder is fouled by Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Can the Los Angeles Lakers land Chris Paul?

Nearly 9 years ago, the LeBron James led Miami Heat including Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had been formed and the NBA as a collective shuddered at the thought of what this trio was capable of going forward.

This was especially bad news for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Having come off back to back titles in 2009 and 2010, the Kobe Bryant led Lakers had hoped to continue their run of dominance. With LeBron, D Wade and Bosh in Miami, this presented a real threat long term to the purple and gold.

With the Lakers title window closing rapidly, Mitch Kupchak and co. needed to formulate a plan that would keep the Championship window open for Kobe and to prepare them for life after the Black Mamba.

The plan was to match what the Heat were doing and going after two Superstar, All-NBA players in superstar and MVP candidate point guard Chris Paul and 3 time defensive player of the year and perennial MVP candidate Dwight Howard.

Well, the Lakers did pull off a trade for both guys, but we all know what happened.

What could have been?

9 years on, there is potential for the Los Angeles Lakers to finally have Chris Paul join the purple and gold.

It would require some effort and undertaking CP3’s enormous contract would not be easy but it is doable.

So what exactly would it take for the Los Angeles Lakers to finally land point guard Chris Paul?