The 42-33 Los Angeles Lakers are currently at No. 9 in the Western Conference and are 3.5 games ahead for a Play-In spot as of April 2. The season has been inconsistent, but the Lakers have recently performed well, winning 7 of their last 10 games. This upcoming offseason could be crucial for the team.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has put forward a trade proposal involving the Lakers and a three-time All-Star. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report mentions a potential trade involving the Lakers and a three-time All-Star. Trae Youngwould head to the Timberwolves, including Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves, has many moving parts.
This deal would have the Warriors acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, Rui Hachimura, and Garrison Mathews.
The Hawks would receive Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Wendell Moore Jr., a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers, and a 2031 top-five-protected first-round pick from the Lakers.
The Lakers would acquire Young, Josh Minott, and Gui Santos, but in exchange, they would lose Reaves, Russell, Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round pick, and a top-five-protected 2031 first-round pick. The Lakers would receive Young, Josh Minott, and Gui Santos in the suggested trade. Chris Paul, Trayce Jackson-Davis, a 2025 second-round pick from Atlanta from Minnesota, a 2026 first-round pick from Golden State, and a top-five protected 2028 first-round pick from Golden State.
The Lakers would get Young, Josh Minott, and Gui Santos, while losing several other players and draft picks.
Acquiring Young may come at a high cost for the Lakers, but it could be a move they are willing to make due to his impressive performance this season.
The Lakers are in search of a third star in this upcoming offseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers opted not to make any moves during the NBA Trade deadline, with the intention of having better assets in the offseason to secure a third star.
LeBron James will enter his age 40 season next year and could become a free agent this offseason. Pursuing a major trade like this one could demonstrate the front office's dedication to winning to him.
Young has shown strong offensive abilities and has the potential to lead a team, evident from his career average of 25.6 points per game.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic mentioned on March 29 that the Lakers are interested in adding a third star. Jovan Buha of The Athletic revealed on March 29 that the Lakers are looking to add a third star.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are actively seeking a third star. Acquiring one may impact the future of D’Angelo Russell.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic believes the Lakers are pursuing a third star in the offseason, with Trae Young being a name that frequently comes up.
Anthony Davis Can Help Young Defensively
According to Bailey, Anthony Davis can assist Young with his defensive skills, which have not been a strong point for the young player. Anthony Davis may be able to provide defensive support for Young, who is known for his offensive prowess but has shortcomings in defense.
“Young has problems on defense, but Anthony Davis could help hide some of those. And in the last five seasons, the Hawks playmaker has averaged 27.2 points, 9.9 assists and 2.8 made three-pointers per game.”
Davis has won the block championship three times and has been selected for four NBA All-Defensive teams. He’d need to compensate for Young's defensive shortcomings but can thrive with him on offense as Young has averaged over 9.3 assists in every season except his first year.
