Howard, Paul, Other?

[Cannon Shell]

How are the Lakers going to be able to afford Howard or Paul under a potential hard cap without giving up 3 major salaries?

Howard was an improved offensive player this year. He is the best rebounder in the league and the best post defender and basket protector. The fact that he shoots 59% from the line is tempered by the sheer number of fouls he draws against the opposition. He is so far better than any other center/post player that it isn't even debatable.

There is no Bynum versus Howard debate. It is simply a mismatch. Lets not forget that Bynum has been in the league 5 years now (Howard has 6 years) he isn't some young guy with potential. He shot 66% from the line this year. Howard consistently shoots better from the field. The durability concerns aside Howard is a better player than Bynum and it isnt that close.

As for Chris Paul, great player but are you really going to want a physically suspect Paul, a physically suspect Bynum and an aging Kobe as the nucleus of your team going forward?