One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Lakers trade Anthony Davis to the Atlanta Hawks this summer for Trae Young. In a May 24 column called “Trade Packages to Land Lakers a Star, Keep LeBron James Out of Retirement,” Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed that the Lakers send Davis and Rui Hachimura to the Hawks for Young, Onyeka Okongwu, and De’Andre Hunter.
“The idea of Trae Young joining the Lakers is already in the ether,” Bailey wrote. “The fit between him and Dejounte Murray wasn’t great in Year 1, and The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported that L.A. has already had ‘internal discussions’ about acquiring him.”
“Of course, this wouldn’t accomplish LeBron’s potential goal of upgrading from two stars to three, but Young doesn’t turn 25 till September. That alone could keep the Lakers’ window to contend open a bit longer, and Young’s averages of 27.4 points and 9.7 assists over the last four seasons suggest he’s more capable of alleviating LeBron’s responsibilities than Davis is.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Young, James, and Davis are all represented by Klutch Sports Group. Young is one of the best point guards in the NBA. The two-time All-Star averaged 26.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists this season for the Hawks while shooting 42.9% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc, and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
Young was ninth in the NBA in total points, 10th in points per game, first in total assists, and second in assists per game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
“In the closeout game against Denver, LeBron played 48 minutes, scored 40 points and was seemingly running on fumes by the end of the game,” Bailey wrote. “AD wasn’t able to carry enough of that load. Young could spare LeBron performances like that and potentially preserve whatever he has left in the tank over the next few years.”
It would be wild to see the Lakers trade Davis, who has a close relationship with James. However, if Los Angeles wants to upgrade its point guard position, Davis may need to be moved.
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