What a season by the Los Angeles Lakers. It was quite unusual, to say the least, as the Lakers were off to a putrid start to the year with Russell Westbrook still on the team, but Rob Pelinka saved their season by trading Russ and acquiring massively important pieces, including D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura.
Even with the roster reinforcements, the Lakers were not ready to make the NBA Finals and it was obvious the Denver Nuggets was the better team. LeBron James did his best all year, breaking the all-time scoring record in the regular season and averaging 23.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 6.3 APG in the playoffs. However, James seemingly ran out of steam because he could not lead the team over the hump against a deeper and younger Nuggets side. Similarly, Anthony Davis was outplayed by Nikola Jokic even if he had solid averages of 26.8 PPG and 14.0 RPG in the Western Conference Finals.
As a result, the Lakers have a lot to think about. LeBron James’ retirement rumors have swept Lakers Nation because it might be a threat to management to keep the team competitive. More so than role players, the Lakers need more star power because an aging LeBron James and injury-prone Anthony Davis won’t get it done with the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns still competing in the Western Conference.
However, assuming James comes back for the final year of his contract and has a chance for one more run, the Lakers can actually re-tool quickly and go all-in for next season. Other than LeBron and Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers should make every player available in potential trades to get back on top in the West. The way to do that is to acquire All-Star players and form one of the best superteams in recent memory.
With next season the priority for Los Angeles, the team has three major blockbuster deals this offseason to entertain with the hopes of winning a championship next season. As long as LeBron does not retire and decides to play out his contract with the team, the Lakers are coming back next year with a vengeance to try to win it all by creating the NBA’s best superteam. Here are the steps to making this happen.
Sign Chris Paul In Free Agency
The first blockbuster deal involves acquiring Chris Paul for a chance to go all-in with the veteran point guard. Paul is 38 years old and no longer an All-Star player, but he fits perfectly well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Paul has made 12 All-Star Team appearances and even at age 38, he can still be effective offensively after posting 13.9 PPG and 8.9 APG this season.
The key for the Lakers acquiring Paul is if the Washington Wizards waive him and send him to free agency. Considering the fact that the Wizards have acquired Tyus Jones in today’s shocking deal, Paul is clearly not in the plans of a rebuilding franchise and the Lakers can take advantage of that by offering a veteran’s minimum deal to give the ringless player a chance to boost his legacy. CP3 has made enough money over his career with multiple max contracts, so this is his chance to win a ring.
Regardless of the “Point God’s” age and countless injuries, he would be a massive upgrade at the point guard spot for the Lakers and there is no doubt about that. D’Angelo Russell is a talented scorer, but he is nowhere near Paul’s level as a playmaker and Dennis Schroder is better suited as a 6th man who can come off the bench rather than face inconsistencies as a starter.
Paul is a veteran point guard who has proven himself to be one of the best in the league in terms of being an on and off-court leader who can improve the play of others around him. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he can bring to any team, and the Lakers would be no exception. With his leadership and playmaking abilities, he could help the Lakers become a more cohesive and effective team. Los Angeles will have enough scoring with James and Davis so playmaking and leadership are necessary.
Chris Paul would be a perfect fit for the team, as he is a skilled ball-handler and passer who can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also a very efficient perimeter scorer, posting 44.0% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 83.1% from the free-throw line. Acquiring shooters around LeBron James and Anthony Davis is the key as we saw from the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Finally, the reports of Paul always wanting to play with LeBron James is another example of why the Lakers and the future Hall of Fame point guard would be the best fit at the end of their careers.
Acquire DeMar DeRozan In A Win-Now Package
The next blockbuster deal involves trading for 6-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to continue building a superteam. DeRozan averaged 24.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG on 50.4% FG, 32.4% 3-PT FG, and 87.2% FT. Since the Chicago Bulls could be rebuilding, DeRozan could be available and the Lakers can pounce for a blockbuster trade package.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley, 2029 First-Round Pick
DeMar DeRozan is still an All-Star at 33 years old after posting 24.5 PPG with the Chicago Bulls and almost getting into the playoffs with an average roster. Chicago was not one of the best teams in the East this year, holding a 40-42 record which was worth nothing more than a play-in seed. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine were supposed to be a match made in heaven because both players can create their own offense and have the size to be impactful if their outside shots are not falling, but it is not working with the Bulls franchise.
Looking back at DeRozan’s track record, he might have been a better fit than Westbrook from the start as he was reportedly a trade target for them before the start of the 2022 season. Regardless, the Lakers have a chance to close a deal right now because the Bulls could be serious sellers before the trade deadline because they won’t win a championship with DeMar as their best player. In come the Lakers, who add one of the best pure scorers to play third option behind LeBron and Davis. Most importantly, DeMar DeRozan can carry the scoring whenever Chris Paul, LeBron James, or Anthony Davis are dealing with their health issues.
Chicago rebuilds with a first-round pick, which could be useful because the Lakers will struggle to do much of anything in 2027 when LeBron James retires. The Bulls also have a long-term cornerstone with Austin Reaves who is only 25 years old and improving his all-around game. Chicago needs to acquire first-round picks to truly boost themselves into a rebuild, and if there are no better offers, the Lakers can come knocking with their 2029 first-round pick.
No doubt, DeRozan would be the go-to scorer the Lakers need because the player can literally score anytime he wants against any defender. He is adept at mid-range, has a post-up game, and is still extremely explosive when he attacks the basket. So far, the Lakers lineup is solid with Chris Paul, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. All that is missing is another sharpshooter and that comes in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.
Land Kyrie Irving In A Simple Trade Deal
The final blockbuster deal involves the Lakers trading for 8-time All-Star Kyrie Irving in a move that almost everyone anticipates will happen since LeBron James is on the Lakers. James and Irving won the 2016 title together and a reunion would create yet another dominant duo that is actually surrounded by even better talent.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks Receive: D’Angelo Russell (Sign and Trade)
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving proved to be devastating to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 as they defeated the sharpshooting team in seven hard-fought games. Even if they ended up on ugly terms, with Irving forcing his way out of Cleveland, the two players will forever be linked together. What Irving and James did together was legendary, clearly, as they are the first team ever to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. With Irving joining a dynamic duo in Los Angeles, the Lakers could be the title favorites coming out of the Western Conference. The starting lineup then becomes Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers can agree to a sign-and-trade deal with D’Angelo Russell heading to Dallas while convincing Irving to take a team-friendly deal worth somewhere around $30 million per season for the next two years. Similar to Chris Paul, Irving probably wants to win and might take less money to place him in a position to do so.
Kyrie Irving fits well alongside LeBron James because of his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and clutch performances. As seen during their time together with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving can operate as a second primary scorer and ball handler, allowing James to conserve his energy and focus on his playmaking duties. Moreover, Irving’s ability to create his own shot, both off the dribble and from beyond the arc, makes him an excellent complement to James’ playmaking skills. The fact that Kyrie shot 37.9% from three is another massive factor as he forms a sharpshooting backcourt with Chris Paul.
Irving is still a player who demands the ball and expects to be the primary option on his team so there could be some red flags. However, since James will be 39 years old next season and willing to take a backseat, he and the Lakers can navigate these potential concerns, which means adding Irving to their lineup would be a game-changer for the team’s championship aspirations.
James and Paul can share ball-handling and playmaking duties, with Irving, DeRozan, and Davis dominating the scoring. Finally, James does not have to score at least 25 points to give his side a chance to win games for the first time in his career. LeBron has had some incredible superteams over his career, but this one would make the Lakers an over-the-top dominant side in the Western Conference, regardless of the Phoenix Suns and their blockbuster deal for Bradley Beal.
Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart
The Lakers depth chart looks very strong with the three blockbuster deals to add three new All-Stars to a roster that already has two in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Of course, the bench will also be complete with solid acquisitions in the free-agent market.
Starting Lineup: Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Anthony Davis
Bench: Dennis Schroder, No. 17 Overall Pick, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Wenyen Gabriel, Mo Bamba, No. 47 Overall Pick
Obviously, the starting lineup looks like an All-Star Team that will be tough to defend against. In terms of offensive firepower, experience, and athleticism, the Lakers can take on any team in terms of starting five. Even if one or two of the starters are out with injuries, the Lakers will have enough star power and depth to make up for absences.
The bench will be completed by strong convincing by the Lakers’ brass. Dennis Schroder can be retained on a veteran’s minimum deal, and so can Wenyen Gabriel, who has built chemistry over the past two seasons. Rui Hachimura will be re-signed because the player will want to lose the chance to compete for a championship on a superteam. The Lakers also have the No. 17 and No. 47 overall picks in the 2023 Draft, which means they can select players who can immediately help them improve their depth.
Most superteams can’t keep enough depth while building around All-Stars, but the Lakers can realistically do this while retaining most of their depth at veteran minimum deals while matching any offers that Rui Hachimura gets in free agency.
Los Angeles Lakers Win The 2023-24 Championship
The Lakers have a ton of flexibility to make blockbuster deals. The salary cap is expected to increase to a record margin, and Los Angeles can take advantage while paying James ($46.7 million) and Davis ($40.6 million) in 2023-24. Acquiring DeRozan brings a $28.6 million figure on the cap in the player’s final year, while Kyrie’s $30 million also creates a significant hit. Between these players, the Lakers have around $150 million in their starting lineup alone while taking into account Chris Paul’s minimum deal as well. The biggest factor will be matching Rui Hachimura’s deal, but the Lakers are willing and able to accomplish that.
The only other players under contract are Mo Bamba ($10 million), Jarred Vanderbilt ($4.7 million), and Max Christie ($1.7 million). Essentially, the Lakers’ blockbuster deals will yield a starting lineup worth around $150 million which is clearly a heavy investment to win a championship or two.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still two of the best players in the league. They have already proven themselves to be a dynamic duo on the court, with James being a master facilitator and Davis being a dominant force in the paint. In these roles, the Lakers managed to win 52 games out of 71 and win the NBA championship in the 2020 season. Adding Chris Paul, DeMar DeRozan, and Kyrie Irving to the mix would only strengthen the team’s overall talent and depth.
Chris Paul is a veteran point guard who has consistently been one of the best playmakers in the league. He has a high basketball IQ and would be able to effectively run the offense alongside James, which is why the player will likely take a veteran’s minimum deal if it means competing for a championship. DeMar DeRozan is a versatile scorer who can create his own shot and would provide another offensive threat for the Lakers. Kyrie Irving is a skilled ball-handler and scorer who has proven himself to be a clutch performer in big moments. Individually, each player is strong enough to be a win-now player alongside James and Davis.
However, these players complement each other well on the court as a team. James and Paul are both excellent passers and would be able to find their teammates in the right spots. Davis and DeRozan are both strong finishers around the rim, while Irving is a deadly shooter from beyond the arc. In terms of defense, Paul is a bulldog who can still come up with steals, James is a powerful figure in the paint, while DeRozan and Davis have exceptional athleticism to hold it down defensively.
Of course, there are always factors that could potentially derail a team’s championship aspirations. Injuries, chemistry issues, and tough competition from other teams are all possible obstacles that the Lakers would need to overcome. However, if this group of players were able to stay healthy and develop good chemistry, they would certainly be a formidable force in the league.
Overall, the Lakers have a lot of talent on their roster and would be a strong contender for the championship if they were able to add Chris Paul, DeMar DeRozan, and Kyrie Irving to their already impressive lineup. While there are no guarantees in sports, this team would certainly have the potential to make a deep playoff run and compete for the title. Even the Denver Nuggets, led by MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, can’t compete with the Lakers’ starting five of All-Stars, and the Phoenix Suns will have to battle three against the Lakers’ five. That means Los Angeles wins the 2023-24 championship, with James likely capturing his 5th Finals MVP award to continue building the legacy as he chases Michael Jordan’s ghost.
