NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Must Purge Roster to Land Chris Paul and Dwight Howard

Most teams wouldn't overreact to losing the conference semifinals, but most teams aren't the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers looked old and slow in losing to the Dallas Mavericks last season, and because of that, the front office should do everything it can to acquire Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.

The New Orleans Hornets' Paul and the Orlando Magic's Howard are both set to become free agents following the upcoming season, so there have naturally been plenty of trade rumors. One of the more interesting ones, though, is that the Lakers are looking to trade for both All-Stars.

Upon hearing that, it might sound a bit ridiculous and even impossible, but the Lakers certainly have the assets to make it happen. The Magic would likely covet a player like Lakers center Andrew Bynum in return for Howard, as Bynum could replace some of what Howard brings to the table.

That would leave the Lakers with plenty left to deal the Hornets for point guard Chris Paul, including forward/center Pau Gasol and forward Lamar Odom. While New Orleans may not be interested in aging players, I tend to think that they will take the best package they can get with Paul seemingly very willing to move on after the season.

Acquiring Paul and Howard would likely mean a complete upheaval, involving the exodus of Bynum, Gasol, Odom and the artist formerly known as Ron Artest, but it would be a small price to pay in order to acquire two elite superstars at the height of their respective talents.

Also, don't forget that legendary shooting guard Kobe Bryant wouldn't be going anywhere, meaning the Lakers would have a "Big Three" that blows the Miami Heat's out of the water, in my opinion.

If the Lakers were to stand pat with their current roster, they would probably still be able to compete for an NBA Championship. That window of opportunity would be very small, however, with Gasol, Odom and Artest all advancing in age and Bynum's knee ready to implode at any time.

Adding Paul and Howard would not only give the Lakers a competitive team for years to come, but it would take a lot of the offensive burden off Bryant's shoulders in the present day.

Los Angeles would probably have to piece together its roster in the meantime, but plenty of serviceable veterans will view the team as an ideal landing spot.

The last thing most basketball fans want to see is likely another super team like the Heat, but the Lakers have the tools to make it happen provided their interest is serious.

The status quo might bring the Lakers one more title in the Kobe Bryant era, but reeling in Paul and Howard would accomplish so much more.