Lakers internally discussing trade for Trae Young

The Lakers’ offseason has begun, and so have the trade rumors. All-Star point guard Trae Young has emerged as a trade target for LA after being eliminated in the Conference Finals.

The 24-year-old is an elite offensive guard as a scorer and playmaker. Young averaged 26/3/10 this season, shooting 42.9% from the field and 33.5% from three. 

The Lakers seem to be aggressive in the point guard market this offseason after D’Angelo Russell struggled in the Conference Finals.

Young is a talented star guard under contract for the next four seasons. He is on a max contract that would require LA to send multiple players and draft picks to have a chance to acquire him.

Young was in trade rumors during the Hawks first-round series against the Celtics. However, Young had a strong performance, and Atlanta may prefer to keep building around him.

A trade for Young would be costly as other teams have more assets to acquire him if he is available.

If the Lakers were to make an offer, it would include Russell via sign and trade, some of their young players, and draft picks. The young players could include guys like Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Austin Reaves, or Rui Hachimura.

While LA may be interested in Young, a trade for him would be difficult and unlikely. It would get rid of the depth they have built. 

However, if the Lakers can acquire Young, it would give them another star and lighten the pressure off of LeBron James in the late stages of his career. James is currently considering retirement, but Dennis Schroder and others expect back for next season.

When James does retire, having another star in place could be helpful to bridge the franchise to remain competitive. Young and Anthony Davis would be a formidable duo even without James.

Don’t expect Young to be in a Lakers uniform next season, despite their interest in him, as acquiring him would be extremely difficult.

1 comment

  • Hawks trading Trae for DlO + lakers young players is laughable. Hawks wouldn’t even pick up the phone. People really think Gobert gets way more than Trae 🤣

    James

Leave a comment