The Lakers market, a champion on the way: the other clubs are scared

Paul at the Lakers was pretty much done in the past, then then NBA commissioner David Stern decided to block everything to avoid creating a super team with him, Gasol and Kobe. Now years later and after a “rejuvenated” CP3, he could finally wear the yellow-violet jersey. Chris Paul will earn over 85 million over the next two years, considering that the 44 million player option for 2021/22 will definitely exercise it. In order for the trade to work, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to include various players as counterparts: certainly Danny Green's 15.3 million, Avery Bradley's 5M, JaVale McGee's 4.2M, Kyle Kuzma's 3.5M, Quinn Cook's 3M and then pick # 28 in the next Draft, which will perceive 1.9M. Alex Caruso who earns nearly 3M could also be included. To make it work, McGee and Bradley's player options will have to be exercised, as well as guaranteeing Cook's entire contract (for now only 1M is insured). Then GM Presti won't settle for Kuzma, Caruso and choice # 28 but will want at least two more choices. Certainly the first yellow-violet choice in 2026 and probably a second one from 2023 onwards. By doing so, Presti will then be able to exchange pawns like Green and Bradley towards other title teams, in exchange for young players and future choices. The Lakers will certainly breach the salary cap, but it wouldn't be a problem if that leads to winning for the next few years. At least two, if Davis and LeBron stay until June 2022. Chris Paul averaged 21.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists with 49% shooting in the last NBA Playoffs, including the triple-double in Game-7, lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round.