It would be difficult, but not impossible, to find a way for Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell to join the Lakers this summer. The team is looking to add a top-level player to work with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
While people have been mostly focused on figuring out ways for Trae Young of the Hawks—who is also represented by the agency Klutch Sports, along with James and Davis—to join the Lakers, Mitchell might be an easier option in terms of matching salaries and overall fit.
Mitchell recently finished the third year of a $163 million contract with Cleveland and is reportedly not willing to sign a new deal with them long-term. If that's the case, the Cavaliers might be open to offers for Mitchell this summer.
He’s definitely going to attract attention. Mitchell had a season where he averaged 26.6 points with 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists, shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.8% from the 3-point line. He would be a great addition to the Lakers.
Is Donovan Mitchell a Better Option Than Trae Young for the Lakers?
In an article on Bleacher Report this week by writer Dan Favale, titled, “1 Trade Target for Every NBA Team This Offseason,” he suggested that Mitchell, not Young, should be the Lakers' top choice. Mitchell might be a better match due to his skills as a finisher, which is important when playing with James.
Young is also being considered by the Lakers. But Favale gives reasons why the Lakers should prefer Mitchell:
“It would be better if Donovan Mitchell wanted to leave Cleveland. His salary for next season ($35.4 million) is about $8 million less than Young's, which would make it easier to make deals. Even though he will turn 28 in September, a year before getting a new huge contract, he's a better offensive fit because he doesn’t need to control the ball as much.
“During the regular season, Mitchell was among the top in catch-and-shoot three-point shots and pull-up shots from a distance, according to Basketball-Index.”
Young is more of a starter but less of a finisher compared to Mitchell, who can do both.
The Lakers would need help with a big trade
One problem the Lakers might face is that they might not be able to put together as good offers as other teams for Mitchell. The Knicks were really involved in trade talks for Mitchell two years ago, but they didn't want to meet the price the Jazz asked for and decided not to make a deal.
With a lot of picks, the Knicks could easily make a deal for Mitchell with a package focused on young players.
But if the Cavaliers wanted to stay competitive and looked for players in a trade for Mitchell, the Lakers might have a chance. They could offer a package including Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, along with young point guard Jordan Hood-Schifino, and even add a future first-round pick.
One advantage the Lakers have is that they're the Lakers. Players still want to play in L.A. If Mitchell believed that the Lakers were the right team for him, he could find a way to join them by making it clear that he wouldn't sign with any other team.
