NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers Isn't Dead Yet
Amidst the news that the Chris Paul-to-Los Angeles Lakers deal was dead, Kevin Ding of The Orange County Register reported via Twitter that Mitch Kupchak remained hopeful a deal for Chris Paul could be worked out.
Kupchak boasts such optimism merely a day after Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported that the Lakers had withdrawn from Paul negotiations. Now that the Paul-to-Los Angeles Clippers deal is dead, Kupchak may hope to rekindle talks with the New Orleans Hornets on his end.
The asking price that the NBA-owned Hornets have set for Paul has proven to be astronomical, and while Kupchak may hope that it drops at some point, desperation may get the best of the Lakers first.
Dwight Howard seems more inclined to stay with the Orlando Magic or be traded to the New Jersey Nets. The Lakers are certainly not out of the running for the star center should he hit the trade block, but they are no longer considered a lock to obtain his services.
That leaves Paul, the one that literally got away. Although Los Angeles was frustrated by New Orleans' stance in negotiations, the Lakers, thus far, seem so hungry for change that they will do everything in their power to land another star, regardless of what it takes.
If we are to believe Kupchak's recent sentiments about how Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant will be with the team all season long, then the Lakers don't seem to keen on a roster shakeup.
But we know better. If Danny Ainge has taught us anything, it's that Gasol and Bynum are about as safe as Rajon Rondo should the Hornets come knocking on the Boston Celtics' door.
Los Angeles will remain very much in play for Paul unless he is dealt elsewhere. He is a caliber of player that is impossible to just walk away from.
Talks between the Lakers and Hornets are not dead; they have simply stalled. This is going to become a game of chicken to see who is ready to give into the other's demands first. And if Kupchak wants to keep his star player happy, and prove that dealing Lamar Odom had a true purpose, then the smart money is on the Lakers.
So, no, a Paul-to-the-Lakers deal is not dead. Whether or not that's a good thing for the organization, though, remains to be seen.
You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.
