The Los Angeles Lakers have internally discussed trading for Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard and Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, according to NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
However, Buha doesn’t think the Lakers will acquire either All-Star.
“Young and Lillard have been discussed internally but appear nothing more than a pipe dream given the current asking prices for stars on the trade market,” Buha wrote.
The Lakers are expected to re-sign D’Angelo Russell and Dennis Schroder this offseason, per Buha. Both guards become unrestricted free agents. Since Russell struggled in the 2023 Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, some people around the NBA believe the Lakers shouldn’t re-sign him.
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However, it appears Los Angeles wants to bring Russell back.
“Given Russell’s inconsistent playoff performance and the lack of league-wide interest in him, the Lakers should have the upper-hand in contract negotiations,” Buha wrote. “One framework the Lakers have discussed internally, according to multiple team sources not authorized to speak publicly, is signing Russell to a front-loaded two-year deal – either with an option in the second year or a straight two-year contract – that both gives him the salary he wants and keeps him on the same timeline as LeBron James (player option in 2024) and Anthony Davis (has an early termination option in 2024 and is eligible for a contract extension in August).”
The Lakers probably won’t acquire Lillard or Young this offseason. If the Phoenix Suns waive Chris Paul, the Purple and Gold will try to sign him. Paul is best friends with LeBron James and the two NBA legends have always wanted to play with each other.
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“There are numerous ways the Lakers’ offseason can unfold. But, assuming they stay true to their intent by retaining Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, nothing is more important for the Lakers than their future at point guard,” Buha wrote.
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