Chris Paul Lakers: Boston Celtics Must Capitalize on LA's Failed Trade Attempt

With the Los Angeles Lakers pulling out of the Chris Paul sweepstakes, the New Orleans Hornets must reconsider the Boston Celtics' offer for superstar Chris Paul surrounding Rajon Rondo.

With the news that the Celtics are one of the teams willing to acquire Paul even as a one-year rental, the Hornets are quite fortunate they can get so much talent for him.

The Hornets would be smart to acquire a star point guard in return for Paul, and Rondo is one of the best floor generals in the NBA.

Rondo is a top playmaker who plays with tremendous energy and is the best defensive guard in basketball. The Celtics' offer of Rondo, forward Jeff Green and two first-round picks is now the best offer New Orleans can accept.

Green is a very versatile forward with the ability to score in multiple ways. With the 2012 draft class being quite deep, those first-round picks could net the Hornets some quality players.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is not afraid to take a risk in attempting to make the Celtics a better team. He has reportedly been close to acquiring Hornets power forward David West over the past few days through a sign-and-trade.

Boston would be foolish not to try to acquire both Hornets stars. West opted out of his contract with the Hornets earlier this year that would have paid him $7.5 million for the upcoming season. The Hornets are lucky to be getting anything for him at this point.

The Celtics do have young talent in addition to Rondo and Green to offer New Orleans for Paul and/or West. Rookies E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson, both from Purdue, are quality players who could contribute immediately for an NBA team.

The Hornets need proven talent that can help them win now, as well as young talent to develop for the future. Boston has a roster of trade pieces that can help New Orleans meet both of those needs.

Acquiring Paul is a big gamble for Ainge and the Celtics, and the Hornets should be thankful he is crazy enough to consider trading for Paul with no assurance the superstar guard would sign in Boston long-term.

Both the Celtics and Hornets must capitalize on each other's desires to improve their teams now and for the future.

With the Los Angeles Lakers not interested in Chris Paul anymore, the Celtics must act and acquire the superstar point guard.

Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report

Follow @NicholasGoss35