It feels like the Los Angeles Lakers are always plotting something. Fans of rival NBA teams ought to be wary of the purple and gold. The Lakers have a way of making things happen.
Recently, it’s been suggested that they had an interest in acquiring a star point guard this summer. That makes sense. D’Angelo Russell is a quality playmaker, but he’s not above being upgraded. The Lakers could want a more dynamic playmaker to pair with LeBron James.
After all, James isn’t getting any younger. If the Lakers had another star-caliber playmaker, it would be easier to preserve him for the playoffs. Apparently, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks is a player that the Lakers covet. Here’s a deal that sends him to Los Angeles.
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Trae Young
Alternatively, maybe it just feels like the Lakers always have something up their sleeve. This organization has been guided by a sense of exceptionalism for a long time. If the Lakers want something, typically, they eventually end up getting it.
NBA players are brand-conscious. Why shouldn’t they be? You can’t blame a person for looking to maximize their earnings. Meanwhile, playing for the Lakers helps a player accomplish that goal. They’re a globally recognized brand.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Think about it. When LeBron James joined this team, they were rebuilding. The Lakers were teetering on irrelevance. James brought them back. He had no incentive to join a ragtag group of youngsters other than the fact that were the Lakers. Could playing on the Lakers be attractive to Trae Young?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The appeal of this deal is obvious for the Lakers. Young would be joining James and Anthony Davis to form one of the best trios in the NBA. The Lakers feel like dark horse contenders heading into this season, but if they added Young, they’d be serious ones.
This team is also built to withstand Young’s limitations. Yes, he’s a notoriously poor defender. Anthony Davis is one of the best defensive anchors in the NBA. His ability to defend in space and protect the rim will offset any shortcomings that Young has on that end of the floor. Offensively, each of these men can dominate the game – opponents would be forced to pick their poison.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Finally, this deal doesn’t have the Lakers giving their future entirely away, either. Sure, they’ll be low on draft capital. They’ll also have Trae Young. He’s young enough to be the team’s point guard of the future. In time, we can assume that another star will want to join him in LA – perhaps to form a star trio if it’s during the remainder of Davis’ prime. Should the Hawks set the Lakers up so nicely?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks won’t want to rush into this deal. They ought to see how they look with a full offseason’s worth of Quin Snyder’s tutelage before they blow this thing up. With that said, a disappointing start to the season could have Atlanta entertaining major changes.
If they put Young on the market, they may not get the return that they’d hoped for. Again – this is one of the worst defenders in the NBA. There are also concerns about Young’s ball-dominant style and potential locker-room influence. If the Hawks put Young on the open market, he’ll be a distressed asset.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
With that in mind, this is a good return. The Hawks are getting a couple of quality young players in Hachimura and Vanderbilt. Russell may not be an obvious fit alongside Dejounte Murray, but he could be an elite back-up – and a trade chip next summer. Throw in an unprotected first and two swaps, and the Hawks just might have to help the Lakers execute their plan.
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