According to sources, it is very likely that Chris Paul returns to the Phoenix Suns next season. The team came incredibly close to winning a championship and they stand a good chance to make another great run at it next year.

But what happens if Paul decides to head for another team in hopes of claiming his first Finals ring before retirement?

According to Marc Stein, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have the best chance at nabbing Paul if he does decide to move on.

I still see the Lakers as the most realistic threat to derailing the Suns' hopes of re-signing Paul, no matter how hard it is to pinpoint a pathway for them to acquire him because of the cap complexities. The reasoning: We know Paul would want to play again in Los Angeles, where his family still resides during the season, and also that he would want to play alongside James.

Paul was almost traded to the Lakers about ten years ago but the NBA squashed that possible trade and Paul then traveled to the Clippers instead. Many Lakers faithful have long wanted Paul to play on their team but instead saw him travel to the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and finally the Phoenix Suns.

The lure of returning to LA and playing with his close friend LeBron James might be enough to sign Paul but most analysts predict he will stay put in Phoenix. However, if he does decide to suit up for a new team, Lakers fans should be very excited.