NBA Trade Machine: Can LA Lakers acquire Chris Paul by selling key assets like Russell Westbrook?

The LA Lakers are looking to make moves ahead of the NBA's Feb. 9 trade deadline. But the question remains, how aggressive is the Los Angeles front office looking to get?

The Lakers (24-28) find themselves in an intriguing position. They have a roster featuring two of the league's most talented superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. When healthy, Davis and James have shown this year that they can be as good as any duo in the NBA.

After a slow start to the season, the Lakers started to build some momentum in the Western Conference. Although Anthony Davis' foot injury slowed that momentum, he's now back playing.

Another big splash could put the Lakers in position to make a run for the playoffs and more. One player who could make some sense for the Lakers is veteran guard Chris Paul. While it might be viewed as a long shot, there's some intrigue about the hypothetical move.

The Phoenix Suns (27-25), who looked like one of the NBA's top teams earlier this season, have found themselves in a tough position throughout the year. Due to a number of injuries, the Suns have a situation to weigh over their future with Paul, who turns 38 in May.

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Would Chris Paul turn the LA Lakers into a legitimate contender?

Phoenix Suns veteran guard Chris Paul

If the LA Lakers were to acquire a player like Paul, it would most likely result in the end of Russell Westbrook in Los Angeles. Westbrook's been impressive for the Lakers since adopting his new role off the bench. If the Lakers want to make a splash and acquire someone like Chris Paul, chances are they would have to solve the Westbrook dilemma first.

Westbrook could be an intriguing asset on the market due to the fact that he has an expiring contract. If the LA Lakers tried to acquire someone like Paul, it would be a fascinating gamble at this point of his career.

When healthy, Chris Paul has shown that he can still be one of the NBA's most effective floor generals. As he has gotten older, his health has started to become problematic. Paul is averaging 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. There's an argument to be made that he would fit perfectly alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

The LA Lakers' roster still needs a number of additions in order for them to suddenly be considered contenders. But adding a talent like Chris Paul could give them a big bump in the right direction. This would all be under the assumption that the Suns would be willing to trade Paul, which is most likely doubtful at this time.