Lakers could target specific All-Star player via trade?
Apr 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be in the market this summer for a top player who can boost their title chances as LeBron James’ career nears its conclusion, and there is at least one All-Star player they may inquire about.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on “Get Up” Tuesday morning that Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young could be a potential trade target for the Lakers this offseason.
“I think one name that you will hear as we get into this is Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks,” Windhorst said. “The Hawks may look to break up their backcourt of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. The Lakers were interested in trading for Dejounte Murray during this last season. Trae is the type of player that I think multiple teams will have interest in if the Hawks decide to make a move.”
.@WindhorstESPN believes Trae Young could be a target for the Lakers in the offseason 👀 pic.twitter.com/LLpoOp5eyk
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 30, 2024
As Windhorst mentioned, there have been rumblings for a while now that the Hawks may want to move one of Young or Murray. The Lakers reportedly pursued both star guards during the season, so they could revisit those talks in the coming weeks.
A tense moment that took place during the Play-In Tournament only fueled the speculation that Young and Murray might not be playing together next season.
LeBron has a player option in his contract for 2024-25 that he is expected to decline, but all indications are that the Lakers are committed to doing everything they can to bring him back. L.A. needs a third star to pair with James and Anthony Davis, and trading for an All-Star like Young is probably the most realistic way to make that happen.
