Lakers Rumors: LA Should Pursue These Players If Chris Paul, Dwight Howard Gone

After Mark Heisler got the rumor mill buzzing with his story on how the Lakers may be able to land not only Dwight Howard but Chris Paul as well, several other trade rumors involving the duo have risen.

The New Jersey Nets could be prepared to make an offer for Howard of Brook Lopez (a guy to replace Howard) and a pair of first-round picks (which will likely be higher than any Lakers picks). Not only that, they would assume Hedo Turkoglu's huge contract, which would get the Magic quickly on the rebuilding trail.

All of that would be contingent on Howard signing an extension, but common opinion is that Howard will only sign one in Los Angeles.

However, stranger things have happened, and no one has asked the question of, what if the Lakers fail to get both Howard and Paul?

In that strange scenario, here are some other players they could target.

Brandon Roy

It's doubtful Roy would get around to the Lakers if he's an amnesty cut by Portland as expected, but despite the health concerns, it couldn't hurt to take a chance on a talent like Roy.

Baron Davis

Davis is also rumored to be a possible amnesty cut and could also be gone by the time the Lakers get a look at him, but adding a guy like Davis would improve the point guard position a ton. But if he dies get cut, Davis has the Lakers on his wish list.

Kirk Hinrich

Hinrich is a guy that the Lakers have tried to acquire before. With Jeff Teague looking like the point guard of the future in Atlanta, Hinrich could likely be had once again.

Rip Hamilton

Hamilton may not play much in Detroit, and the veteran would be a nice depth piece in Los Angeles. The problem here is assuming his remaining salary. But if they could find a creative way to make things work, the guy can still put the ball in the hole and is solid defensively.

Paul Millsap/Al Jefferson

Utah is looking to move one of their big guys, and both would be good fits in Los Angeles. You can never have too much size, and adding one of these guys would make the Lakers' frontcourt more athletic. Worse come to worse, they could then possibly flip Pau Gasol for an upgrade at the point guard position.

Rajon Rondo

If Danny Ainge is willing to move him for Paul, he may be willing to move him for a creative package that any other team could come up with. Somehow, if the Lakers could get involved in talks, it would solve their point guard issues for some time to come.