The NBA trade machine is whirring at full speed, and guess who’s caught in its gears again? Yep, the Los Angeles Lakers. Because when isn’t LA in the middle of some blockbuster speculation? This time, an intriguing idea has surfaced that could land them either Chris Paul or Harrison Barnes—while helping two other Western Conference teams shake up their rosters. Buckle up, because this one’s got some layers.
Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox on the Move? Enter the Spurs and the Lakers
According to NBA insider Anthony F. Irwin, the San Antonio Spurs have an eye on Sacramento Kings All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox. Sounds like a big move, right? But wait—where do the Lakers come in? Well, Irwin suggests that LA could swoop in and facilitate the trade while snagging a veteran playmaker (Paul) or a reliable 3-and-D wing (Barnes) in the process. The catch? They’d have to cough up a minor asset.
Now, before Lakers fans start throwing their remotes at the TV, let’s take a breath. This isn’t exactly the kind of move that’ll have LeBron James sprinting into the war room demanding a contract extension. But let’s break it down anyway.
Chris Paul: The Playmaker Who Refuses to Age
If the Lakers land CP3, they’d be getting a seasoned veteran who still knows how to control an offense better than most. Sure, he’s not the same guy who used to break defenders’ ankles with a single crossover, but his basketball IQ remains sky-high. Also, let’s be honest, putting Paul and LeBron together would be peak NBA nostalgia—two legends trying to outthink opponents while proving Father Time is just an imaginary foe.
And let’s not forget: having CP3 run the offense means LeBron can take a breather from playmaking duties. (Which, let’s face it, he’s probably been dreaming about while icing his knees.) Plus, Paul feeding Anthony Davis in the pick-and-roll? That could be a beautiful sight—assuming AD is, you know, available to play.
Harrison Barnes: The $54M Sniper
On the flip side, the Lakers could opt for Harrison Barnes, a player who’s shooting a lights-out 41.4% from deep this season. That’s significantly better than any of the Lakers’ small forward reserves, including Cam Reddish (28.9%) and Dalton Knecht (35.1%). Adding Barnes to the mix could provide some much-needed spacing for LA’s offense, making life easier for both LeBron and AD.
Of course, taking on Barnes means absorbing his three-year, $54 million deal. That’s a hefty price tag, but considering the Lakers’ desperate need for reliable shooting, it might be worth it. And hey, at least he’s available, which is more than can be said for some of LA’s key pieces.
What About That Glaring Hole at Center?
While adding Paul or Barnes could help the Lakers offensively, their biggest problem remains unsolved: they still need a legitimate big man to support Anthony Davis. The Lakers have been linked to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, but apparently, Utah’s asking price is high enough to make Rob Pelinka hesitate. (Shocking, right? Because nothing screams “smart front office” like debating whether to solidify your biggest weakness.)
Kessler has been an absolute monster on the boards, averaging 11.4 rebounds and over two blocks per game. Translation: he’s exactly the kind of defensive anchor that would let Davis move back to power forward, which is where he actually wants to play. But so far, no deal.
Lakers’ Next Move: Play It Safe or Go All In?
So, what’s the move? Do the Lakers gamble on a veteran playmaker in Chris Paul, hoping he can stabilize the offense? Do they bring in Barnes to bolster their shooting and wing depth? Or do they hold out for a legit center like Kessler, addressing their most glaring need?
One thing’s for sure: the Lakers are once again at the center of trade talks, proving that even in a league dominated by young stars, all roads still seem to run through Hollywood. Whether this deal turns into a reality or fades into NBA Twitter conspiracy land, expect the drama to continue.
Because let’s be honest—what’s an NBA season without some wild Lakers trade rumors?