Lakers Rumors: Acquiring Chris Paul or Dwight Howard Must Come Soon

The Los Angeles Lakers want both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. They'll be forced to choose one of them before long, though.

As the NBA season nears, the New Orleans Hornets are hellbent on avoiding a trade saga similar to the one the Denver Nuggets went through with Carmelo Anthony last season.

In fact, they're determined to deal their superstar point guard before the season even starts.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein and Chris Broussard, the Hornets have already begun to sift through offers and there are many.

The Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks are all very much in play with the Lakers.

Stein and Broussard's report indicates that Dell Demps, the Hornets general manager, is essentially making Paul available and hopes to trade him this month:

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But as ESPN.com reported Monday, there is also rising sentiment within the organization to trade Paul before the 2011-12 season even starts because he hasn't a signed a contract extension, prompting New Orleans to look at virtually every trade option presented. 

Paul and Hornets general manager Dell Demps did have their expected meeting Monday at the team's practice facility. The tone of the talk was amicable, sources said, but Paul did not tell the Hornets that he is prepared to sign an extension before the regular season opens Christmas Day, which only increases the likelihood that the Hornets will deal the star guard this month.

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That would mean they have to find a trade worth accepting.

The Lakers, who have arguably the biggest chip in the trade market, will have to decide quickly if they want Paul over Howard.

Having their hand in both pots is a smart move, but the Lakers' hand will be forced by Demps' desire to trade Paul now.

Andrew Bynum, the 7'0", 24-year-old center, is the key cog in any deal for the Lakers. If they deal him for Paul before the season starts, the Orlando Magic will assuredly not flip Howard for a deal centered around an aging Pau Gasol.

The ESPN report indicates that the Hornets "have not yet ruled out" a package centered on Gasol, but it is foolish to believe the Hornets would opt for Gasol with Bynum still available.

The Los Angeles Lakers must make up their mind quickly. To chase Chris Paul all but ends their quest for Dwight Howard.

We'll know what they want by the end of this month.