The Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat against the Denver Nuggets may have shown the difference between the two teams.
The Lakers won 9 out of 12 games in February and have a 6-3 record since the trade deadline. However, they are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. They also have a 17-22 record against teams with winning records this season.
This reality could lead to a major trade during the summer.
According to an article from Bleacher Report, the Lakers' decision to retain their 2029 first-round pick at the trade deadline gives them the chance to pursue a star player this summer. Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote this on February 29. He mentioned the potential availability of Young due to the direction of the Hawks and his upcoming free agency.
Swartz proposed a hypothetical trade where the Lakers make a big effort to acquire Young, who set a new franchise record for three-pointers with the Hawks on February 14.
Lakers get:
– Trae Young
Hawks get:
– Austin Reaves
– Rui Hachimura
– Gabe Vincent
– Jalen Hood-Schifino
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2027 first-round pick
– 2929 first-round pick
The article also highlighted that the Lakers cannot depend solely on LeBron James‘ scoring. Adding Young to the starting lineup alongside James, a standout defender in Anthony Davis , and some shooters could make the Lakers one of the best teams in the NBA.
Rich Paul Could ‘Push’ Trae Young to Lakers via Trade
Young, 25, is averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 assists, and 1.4 steals this season. However, he will be out of action for at least the next three weeks following surgery on his pinky finger. The three-time All-Star is currently in the second year of a five-year, $215 million contract
. This means he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in three years, though he has an early termination option for the 2026-27 season, worth $48.9 million. He has also expressed his commitment.
to the Hawks multiple times. Despite owning a residence in Los Angeles, Young has emphasized his desire to win when discussing his intentions publicly. The Hawks have a 26-34 record this season and have gone 2-2 in games since he got injured. “It wouldn’t be the first time
and Klutch pushed a client to the Lakers,” Swartz noted. Both James and Davis are key examples. Moreover, the Lakers have had multiple Klutch Sports Group clients on their roster over the years, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
and currently, Rich Paul Jarred Vanderbilt
Lakers Expected to Pursue Hawks’ Trae Young This Offseason Young is just one of the top players the Lakers are anticipated to pursue, as per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, on January 9. Cleveland Cavaliers.
Donovan Mitchell
Kyrie Irving Dallas Mavericks Young might be the most suitable option, especially if James exits. There is even a belief that he is interested in being traded to the Lakers.
He joins “The Hawks’ inaction is hardly considered permanent,” star The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote and on February 12. “They’ve certainly convinced various rival teams that a Dejounte In/Trae Out course is going to be legitimately considered.” of the The Athletic’s Howard Beck reported.
on February 13 that the Hawks discussed a Young trade with the
San Antonio Spurs Lakers brass has been reluctant to trade Reaves. And they would like to keep Hachimura. But their tries to exchange
for Murray failed without success on D’Angelo Russell Maybe Atlanta could accept Russell again in Swartz’s suggestion. Russell doesn't work well in the backcourt with Young. Acquiring Reaves might be a significant enough part to justify the effort for Atlanta..
This suggested trade would mean the Los Angeles Lakers acquire a dynamic three-time All-Star who might be obtainable this offseason. attempts to trade for Murray fell flat over D’Angelo Russell.
Perhaps Atlanta would take Russell back in Swartz’s scenario. Russell is a poor fit in the backcourt with Young. Getting Reaves could be enough of a centerpiece to make the endeavor worthwhile for Atlanta.