LeBron James is fresh off helping lead the LA Lakers to an NBA title in impressive fashion. Although it is quite early, the focus shifts over to the Lakers’ ability to field another championship-caliber team next season. With that comes recent chatter that James could make a push for LA to add another star player.

Lakers’ impressive run to an NBA title

The Lakers were nothing short of impressive in their playoff run to the franchise’s 17th NBA title.

LeBron James put forth a stellar in his 17th campaign that put him in the MVP conversation that saw LA finish with the top playoff seed in the Western Conference. James picked it up a notch in the postseason, while Anthony Davis was a tremendous factor on both ends of the floor.

Davis was a significant offensive force combined with his stout play defensively that proved to be pivotal to the Lakers’ run to an NBA title. Meanwhile, the team had many of their key role players step up to provide the extra push to accomplish that ultimate feat.

It’s still relatively early in the process, but chatter has begun around James possibly pushing LA to add another star talent.

LeBron James may push the Lakers to acquire Chris Paul

The Lakers have some significant roster decisions to make over the upcoming offseason.

That could include the franchise looking to add another bonafide scoring option to the roster. With that in mind, an Eastern Conference executive recently voiced to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report that LeBron James could make a strong internal push for the Lakers to acquire Chris Paul.

“Chris Paul would love to come back to L.A. I know it would be a dream come true for Chris,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “I know LeBron loves and trusts him and he would be a good fit.”

The assumption is that the Oklahoma City Thunder are willing to move Paul for the right price of draft picks and young talent. Beyond having to swallow Paul’s massive $41.3 million salary for next season, the Lakers would have to move several players to help take on that financial hit.

That would likely require the Thunder to be satisfied with taking back veteran players such as Danny Green, JaVale McGee (if he opts into next season), and Kyle Kuzma. There is an obvious strong bond between Paul and James, but it’s a pathway with many hurdles that could block that route. All that said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the four-time NBA Finals MVP push hard to get Paul back to LA.

LA has significant decisions ahead in the offseason

The Lakers have their eyes on repeating as NBA champions next season, which means some crucial roster decisions have to be made.

Early reports suggest that Anthony Davis will opt out of his deal’s final year but will re-sign with the team. Davis’ return is the most significant boost as the ideal fit next to James after leading the franchise to an NBA title. Meanwhile, several key role players could leave in free agency.

Reports suggest that Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will both elect to decline their player options for next season. However, each has a keen interest in returning to the team with the chance to compete for another championship. Dwight Howard will also be a free agent and could garner much interest from the Golden State Warriors.

That puts tremendous pressure on the Lakers’ front office to piece their roster together to contend for an NBA title. Time will tell what their plan will be in the offseason to put another championship-caliber team together.