The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to the upcoming NBA trade deadline as a way to give themselves a better chance come playoff time. Los Angeles still boasts stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James, giving itself a chance every time on the floor.
But in order to win the title, the Lakers still need at least another piece or two. Los Angeles has some decent assets to work with and it could have them being very active before the deadline expires.
In a new trade idea from Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World, the Lakers bring in 12-time All-Star Chris Paul from the San Antonio Spurs. Paul has been on the radar of the Lakers for some time now and he finally lands in Los Angeles to go after a title.
Here is what the trade would look like:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Chris Paul, Zach Collins
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Landing Paul would certainly give the Lakers the point guard that they have been missing but losing Hachimura could be tough. The veteran wing has been good for Los Angeles all season and has been hitting his 3-point shot attempts at a 40 percent clip this year.
However, Paul would give this Lakers team another playmaker next to James, something they have been missing since the D'Angelo Russell trade. Paul has been good for the Spurs, despite being almost 40 years old.
The veteran has averaged 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game this year. Paul has also shot 36.4 percent from distance this season.
But additionally, they would land Collins in the deal, giving them another big to work around. Davis has been very vocal in asking the front office for another big man and the Lakers would satisfy his request here.
Collins has averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this season. While he doesn't space the floor, he would give Los Angeles another big body to work with in the frontcourt.
These numbers don't exactly pop off the page but he could serve as a nice defensive center next to Davis. Collins had a lot of hype coming out of college a few years ago. Playing on a contending team could be what he needs.
More NBA news:
Warriors Could Add $90M Forward in Blockbuster Trade Before Deadline
Hornets Could Add $34M Center to Young Core in Blockbuster Deal
Rockets Bolster Frontcourt by Acquiring $48 Million Center in Massive Trade Proposal
Clippers Could Land Multi-Time All-Star by Parting With Norman Powell
Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sees Two West Teams Exchange All-Stars
For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
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About the writer
Matt Levine
Matt Levine works as a contributing writer for Newsweek. His expertise is in covering the NBA but he also covers ...
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