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Los Angeles Lakers: Why a Chris Paul trade is not going to happen

By Jason Reed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first 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 handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The Los Angeles Lakers would be worse off next season

Chris Paul is still a great player and he surprised a lot of people this season. He really balled out for the Oklahoma City Thunder, showed he was still an all-star and was the perfect veteran leader to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continue his all-star progression in the league.

While all of that is true, this would still leave the Los Angeles Lakers in a worse spot. Yes, Paul is better than any of the players that the Lakers would send in return, but this would absolutely strip the team’s roster beyond repair.

Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma can be dealt for the right price. However, potentially moving on from Quinn Cook, Avery Bradley and JaVale McGee are too much. Sure, the team could sign DeMarcus Cousins and if that happens that does make this easier, but that is not a guarantee.

What really worries me is the depth of the backcourt. The Lakers would be trading three backcourt pieces in this trade in Green, Bradley and Cook. That would be doable if there wasn’t additional reports of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Rajon Rondo wanting to opt-out of their deals. If both of them leave then the Lakers’ backcourt is tattered.

It would consist of Chris Paul, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker. That is bad. Sure, they could bring a mid-level exception and some veteran minimum guys but they still are not going to be able to get much.

Paul’s cap hit is massive and Anthony Davis is reportedly doing to agree to his extension this offseason, not next.

The depth of this roster will be compromised. Sometimes that is fine when you have three stars. It is not fine when both of those stars are 35 years old.

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