Lakers Rumors: Team Discussing Acquiring One Of 3 Major Stars

The Los Angeles Lakers have a plethora of in-house backcourt candidates to consider for next season, but that hasn't stopped them from reaching for the stars this summer. Word from NBA Insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic is that the Lakers have three superstars on their radar. 

Starting with Chris Paul — no one is surprised to hear this — who the Lakers would have "strong interest" in signing if he is waived, as expected, by the Suns. CP3 has had dreams of playing with the Lakers in the past, and his good buddy LeBron James would be thrilled to get a chance to team up with him. 

If the Lakers don't re-sign D'Angelo Russell and/or Dennis Schroder in the backcourt, signing Paul would be the most obvious alternative. But in a perfect world, LA has loftier dreams as well this summer:

The Lakers have internally discussed the possibility of landing Trae Young or Damian Lillard, per @jovanbuha pic.twitter.com/jMMFfjNgdZ

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 16, 2023

Trae Young and Damian Lillard are names that have been discussed internally by the Lakers of going after in a trade. 

However, this, says Buva, might be "nothing more than a pipe dream", given the current asking prices for big stars on the trade market.

Trade talks surrounding Young and Lillard won't be quieting down anytime soon, though, as the Hawks consider their future direction, and the Blazers face finally pushing Dame over the edge if they don't trade their No. 3 pick in next week's draft for proven veteran star power to push them into playoff contention. 

As for the Lakers, another possibility Buha mentions is both signing CP3 and re-signing Russell. Other free agent point guards like Fred VanVleet or Kyrie Irving are likely out of the Lakers' price range. 

Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports