With the trade season in full effect, the Los Angeles Lakers should be looking for an instant upgrade at the point guard position.
Acquiring a highly skilled Atlanta Hawks superstar could help the Lakers exit point guard purgatory.
“The Lakers acquiring Trae Young would be a monumental move, instantly upgrading their offense with one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Tuesday.
“Young, currently averaging 21.5 points and 12.1 assists per game, is an elite scorer and distributor who thrives in high-pressure situations.”
“His ability to break down defenses, draw fouls, and hit deep three-pointers would perfectly complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”
“More importantly, Young’s presence would alleviate the burden on LeBron to run the offense, preserving his energy for crucial moments in the postseason.”
“From Atlanta’s perspective, this deal could signify a pivot toward a rebuild, especially with Trae Young being linked to trade rumors all season.”
“The Hawks would receive D’Angelo Russell, a capable scorer and ball-handler who can contribute immediately, alongside Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, two gritty, defensive-minded players who fit Quin Snyder’s system.”
“Adding Dalton Knecht provides shooting potential, while a 2029 first-round pick offers long-term flexibility for Atlanta.”
“This trade would signal that the Lakers are all-in on competing for a championship. While Young has limitations defensively, his offensive firepower outweighs those concerns.”
“With LeBron’s career nearing its twilight, pairing him with a proven young star like Trae ensures the Lakers can contend for titles now while setting up their future. This move is bold and risky, but it’s exactly the type of gamble the Lakers need to make.”
The Hawks’ expectations were low entering the 2024-25 campaign, but thanks to Young’s consistency and dazzling perimeter play, the franchise is currently in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Young, fresh off a 35-point and 10-assist performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, is still working toward improving his efficiency, but there’s no question he’s been scoring and distributing at an All-Star level to start the year.
While Young’s dynamic offensive skill set would help solve the Lakers’ point guard woes, Knecht’s encouraging potential and NBA-ready demeanor would make Los Angeles hesitant to move on from their 2024 first-round selection.
However, if Young is the Lakers’ dream trade target, the organization may complete a blockbuster trade with the Hawks this season.