The Los Angeles Lakers’ post-NBA Trade Deadline resurgence pumped fresh life into the franchise.
Suddenly, after two disappointing seasons, it looked like maybe there was a chance for L.A. to win another title before LeBron James’ time with the organization wrapped.
That being said – a lot hinges on this summer. The Lakers have a lot of players hitting free agency and there are a number of big names floating around as possible pick-ups for them.
So what is Los Angeles’ preferred path in the coming months?
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers’ Plan A is fairly locked in right now.
“The Lakers’ current Plan A, which calls for re-signing free agents Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura and trying to sign Chris Paul as a free agent should Paul make it to the open market in the wake of his inclusion in the Beal-to-Phoenix trade,” Stein wrote.
If the Lakers want Paul, they will need to fight off at least two other teams to get him.
That said, the prospect of re-signing both Reaves and Hachimura is obviously hugely appealing to the fan base after their playoff showings.
Reaves, in particular, emerged as a star on and off the court. Even his girlfriend’s wild photos set the internet ablaze. That is how big of a name he became.
Hachimura has less of a mania surrounding him, but he was also instrumental in the Lakers’ postseason success.
There are currently three teams trying to pry him away from L.A., but the Lakers have made their position on Hachimura quite clear.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/eX8GY0NvCE
— Game 7 (@game7__) June 19, 2023
One way or another, whether Paul comes or not, the Los Angeles has the potential to be really special so long as Reaves and Hachimura come back.
Paul would just be the icing on the cake.
Will the Lakers’ Plan A ultimately work out as expected? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
