Breaking news the Los Angeles Lakers have yet another star on their radar. That is not exactly news for the Los Angeles Lakers since they are always searching for superstar caliber talent every offseason. This year is no different as it seems they have the Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young on their radar. The 24 year old who was a favorite by long time Laker superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi Bryant, is under contract with the Hawks until 2026 at the very least and has yet to request a trade, however, if the Hawks continue to underwhelm Young’s frustrations could continue to grow and the Lakers could sweep in. Could a trade for Trae Young possibly happen?
A possible trade scenario
To get someone like Trae the Los Angeles Lakers would have to give up a lot in order to persuade the Atlanta Hawks. According to Fansided’s Lake Show Life’s Jason Reed, a potential trade for Ice Trae could involve D’Angelo Russel, Rui Hachimura, and a couple of draft picks. This is only one of a few scenarios. To get the Hawks to part ways with their superstar the Lakers should be willing to give up a lot for him. It might be a lot but the young star could be worth it. A trio of Trae Young, Lebron James, and Anthony Davis could potentially be a big threat. However, on paper it seems like it could be too good to be true. Could a trade for Trae actually be worth it?
Why it could not work out for the Los Angeles Lakers
This has drawn out sports analysts to comment on their take and in one particular case Skip Bayles did not hold back. In the article he explains that it would be a bad fit because of Trae Young’s height, his lack of defense, and that stats do not matter. Respectfully to Bayles, but height has nothing to do with it. Steph Curry is only 6’2 while Young is 6’1 and he seems to be doing very good for himself. Stats don’t count but is that not how we vote for all stars, MVP finalists, and finals MVPs? Is that not how we help determine who the best players of all time are? When it comes to defense Trae Young could improve on it. Yet the Los Angeles Lakers have great defenders on their team so the Atlanta Hawks star would not need to worry about defending much.
However, the only reason it would not be a good fit for the Atlanta Hawks star would be because the Los Angeles Lakers are not patient. Their win now mentality have the organization and their fans impatient if a player does not have immediate success. Just look at Kyle Kuzma and Russell Westbrook. Both were criticized and now both are showing success in their teams respectfully, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers. Although it is good to have a good now mentality it does take time for a player to adjust to new environments, so if the Lakers organization and their fans want Trae Young they will have to be patient with him. Height, defense should not matter the only way a Trae Young trade would not work would be because of Los Angeles Lakers lack of patience. It should work and here is why.
Why it should work
A Trae Young trade should be something the Los Angeles Lakers should consider. He averaged 26.2 in points (10th), 3.0 in rebounds (150+), 10.2 in assists (2nd), and 43 in FG percentage (110th). Yet somehow the former all star was not selected for last years all star. Young had better stats than a majority of the call-ups. No player is perfect but Trae Young seems to have a higher ceiling and an upside. His playmaking ability and his offensive powers have even elevated the Atlanta Hawks to the East Conference finals in 2021. Without Trae, the Hawks would have never gone that far. Furthermore, the Hawks would not have gone every season to the playoffs or at least the play-in. If he can take this Hawks team far, imagine the possibilities with a winning organization like the Lakers.
Final Predictions
It may seem like a gamble but Trae Young is worth it. The sky is the limit for the Atlanta Hawks 24 year old and his potential. Not to mention one of Trae’s idols is Kobe. So being in the same team as one of the all time greats would mean a lot to both parties. Missing out on the All stars and FIBA for Team USA probably has lit a fire under Trae. It seems like he is becoming underrated under own very own eyes. Going to the Los Angeles Lakers and possibly winning a chip would prove the doubters wrong. This potentially could help cement his legacy. The underrated star with a chip on his shoulder and the Lakers seem like a match made in heaven.
