Lakers Rumors: Could L.A. Land Chris Paul and Dwight Howard Through Trade?

When the owners failed to get a full ban on sign-and-trades, they left the possibility of both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard taking their talents to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Should both Howard and Paul opt not to sign extensions with their respective teams—a near certainty at this point—that leaves the Lakers free to negotiate sign-and-trades for the both of them.

Is this possible? Yes. Is it likely? Not at all. That being said, we cannot rule it out, as the Lakers have the foundation to offer an acceptable package for each of them.

The Lakers already seem willing to offer Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick. Is that enough to pry Howard from the Magic? Perhaps, but it is at the very least a great starting point.

We can also not neglect to note that Orlando is unlikely to receive an offer with the potential to help the team transition into life after Howard any better. Bynum is nowhere near as consistent as Howard, but he can be dominant and productive nonetheless.

The real dilemma here is in regards to Paul; obtaining him is where it gets slightly complicated.

The Lakers could dangle Pau Gasol in front of the New Orleans Hornets, hoping he entices them enough to at least spark negotiations.

With Howard to anchor in the low-post, Gasol becomes expendable if it means adding a star point guard. To sweeten the deal, the rookie Darius Morris could be paired with Gasol.

Would this be the ideal package for the Hornets to receive in return for their star? Not exactly, but only because there really isn't such a thing when discussing Paul's departure.

The fact of the matter, though, is New Orleans has two potentially departing forwards in David West and Carl Landry. The team also has to consider that Aaron Gray opted for free agency as well, and could find a home elsewhere.

If all three players sign with other teams, the Hornets lack some serious size in the middle. Gasol helps alleviate this, just as Morris would help smooth over the transition in the backcourt.

Pairing both Paul and Howard with Kobe Bryant would shatter the current NBA landscape as we know it. The Lakers would have arguably the best players in the game at three positions, and would become instant favorites to win a championship.

Regardless of how unlikely such a scenario is, the important thing is that it is possible. As long as it remains financially and tactically feasible, the Lakers and their fans have something to hope for.

And given the current state of uncertainty in Los Angeles, that is all that matters.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.