The Los Angeles Lakers have been a popular suggestion among analysts for a trade involving three-time All-Star point guard Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, though this speculation seems to be cooling off.
During the July 15 episode of “The Lowe Post” podcast, ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Kevin Pelton discussed the possibility of the Lakers acquiring Young, who is under a five-year, $215.2 million max contract, from Atlanta. They evaluated what it would take for such a trade to happen and whether the Lakers are interested.
“If the Lakers were willing to offer all their picks, including Dalton Knecht and other valuable assets, Trae Young could be on the Lakers right now,” Lowe said. “Those deals haven’t materialized. Teams have cooled off on him, and here we are.”
Potential Trade Assets for the Lakers
The Lakers could trade unprotected first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 along with Knecht, their No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Young, earning over $43 million next season, would likely necessitate including D’Angelo Russell and his nearly $19 million contract as part of the deal for salary matching.
Additional assets mentioned by Lowe could include young talent like Max Christie, who recently signed a four-year, $32 million extension with the Lakers.
Trae Young’s Potential Impact on the Lakers
Adding Trae Young could significantly ease the offensive burden on LeBron James. Young, entering his age-26 season, averages 25.5 points and 9.5 assists for his career, including 25.7 points and 10.8 assists last season. His presence would allow James to focus less on point guard duties and reduce his overall playmaking load, a role he has carried heavily since joining the Lakers six seasons ago.
James, who turns 40 in December, had a usage rate of 29.1% last season, ranking 18th in the league. Despite playing 71 games, managing such a high usage rate at his age is not sustainable long-term. Young’s ability to handle significant playmaking responsibilities could preserve James’ health and effectiveness for potential playoff runs.
Addressing Defensive Concerns
Young’s defensive shortcomings are notable, with a defensive rating of 121.5 last season compared to the league average of 116.1. However, Anthony Davis, a member of the All-Defensive First Team in 2023-24, could help mitigate Young’s defensive liabilities with his elite rim protection.
The Lakers’ Championship Window
The Lakers’ current championship window with James and Davis might be closing soon. Developing players like Knecht or Christie into future stars or top-tier role players may not align with James’ remaining time as a top NBA star.
To improve their chances and reverse their recent trend of being a No. 7 seed with first-round playoff exits, the Lakers might need to make a significant move. While there might not be an immediate urgency to trade for Young, a slow start or injuries leading up to next February’s trade deadline could change the Lakers’ stance significantly.
