Earlier this week, reports indicated the Los Angeles Lakers plan to pursue a third star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the offseason. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, somebody the Lakers realistically may pursue is Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young:
“Yes, they are,” Buha said when asked if the Lakers are going to chase a third star. “And I can confirm that from multiple sources. They are going third-star hunting this offseason. And we’ll see how that affects the D-Lo (D’Angelo Russell) situation. We’ll see how — you probably have to give up Austin [Reaves] in almost any…third-star trade. … Now, who’s available? The one name I continually hear is Trae Young. He’s been to Laker playoff games before. He’s a Klutch Sports client. That’s probably the most realistic one right now.”
Trae Young-to-Lakers rumors will intensify after latest from NBA insider: https://t.co/HT5AaQxxFZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 2, 2024
Furthermore, ESPN’s Tim McMahon recently spoke about the “legitimate” possibility of the Hawks trading Young away.
“So, to me, the Hawks thing is interesting because it’s only recently there have been legitimate — whatever, let me think how I wanna phrase this — rumblings about the possibility of Trae Young actually being traded,” MacMahon said. “Only recently has that been something that you would even think would be a consideration for the Hawks.”
Young has been with the Hawks since joining the team during the 2018 NBA Draft. In six seasons, the Oklahoma alum is averaging 25.6 points and 9.5 assists per game as a career 35.4% three-point shooter. Furthermore, Young has been selected to three All-Star teams and an All-NBA Third Team.
Multiple Analysts Link Los Angeles Lakers to Former All-NBA Guard
How Realistic is a Trae Young-to-LA Trade?
Young is one of the premier point guards in the league. As one of the best perimeter-oriented players in the league, he is a perfect fit next to James and Davis. His combination of elite shooting and playmaking makes him valuable to practically any team in the NBA. Furthermore, with the team potentially losing D’Angelo Russell this summer, Young is as good of a replacement as any. Pairing Young and the Lakers makes sense on paper. Additionally, reports earlier this year have suggested the Hawks will likely move on from either Young or Dejounte Murray. Interestingly, the Lakers had interest in Murray at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. That never came to fruition, however.
On the flip side, Young isn’t a cheap option. In 2021, the guard signed a 5-year, $215.16 million contract extension with a 2025 Early Termination Option. Young is just 25 years old and is under contract through at least the 2025-26 season. Additionally, it would take a lot for the Lakers to get him. As Buha suggests, the Lakers would likely need to get rid of Austin Reaves among other key role players in a package for Young. While a trade can hypothetically work, the Lakers must determine how much they are willing to let go of to get the Hawks star.
The Last Word on Trae Young and the Lakers
James’ retirement is coming sooner rather than later. Furthermore, he has already said he hopes to retire with the Lakers. If so, it’s important for the team to build a win-now roster to maximize their window with James on the roster. It may cost a lot, but trading for Young might be in the Lakers’ best interest.
