The talk around the Los Angeles Lakers has changed significantly in the week leading up to the NBA trade deadline. However, waiting out this transaction time can be a smart move.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer stated on January 30 that “they’ll have more tradable picks in July if they keep their powder dry.” In addition to all the player assets they own, they have three firsts and three swaps. That would give them enough pieces to be considered for a wide range of opportunities. It’s likely that Trae Young would accept a trade to Los Angeles at any moment.
Young, 25, is leading the Atlanta Hawks in scoring this season despite the team’s 20-27 record. He is averaging a career-high 1.4 steals per game, 10.9 steals, and 27.0 points.
His 36.8% mark from downtown is the second-highest of his career.
Young is two years into a $215 million, five-year contract. Along with three other players currently on the roster, he shares representation with Klutch Sports Group, which gives him more ties to the Lakers. LeBron James and Anthony Davis stand out among them.
Young is a perennial Lakers target in addition to being a two-time All-Star and a one-time All-NBA selection.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on August 31 that “Trae Young has long been on Los Angeles’ radar, depending on how his situation unfolds in Atlanta.”
Trae Young of the Hawks hopes to win a championship in Atlanta
If the Lakers genuinely hope that Young is made available for trade, then Buha’s note regarding his situation might be the biggest hitch of the whole ordeal. To begin with, Young has made it apparent that he wants to bring a championship to Atlanta.
Young, the third overall choice in the 2018 NBA Draft, is another player the Hawks hope to develop around. To get him, they traded Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, “Atlanta is determined to… ‘build around Trae and Jalen Johnson’ going forward.” Stein published this on January 5. “The most notable players available in possible trades are [Dejounte] Murray, De’Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela. Sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanović is anticipated to draw the greatest amount of outside attention of any present Hawk.”
Despite the Lakers’ and Murray’s interest, he and Bogdanovic may decide to stay put. The front staff is reconsidering their intentions after their previous performance.
According to Stein on January 29, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has made an effort to retain Murray.
D’Angelo Russell is teased by Hawks fans during the Lakers game.
The Lakers’ attempted deal for Murray was hampered in part by Atlanta’s unwillingness to accept D’Angelo Russell. Within the second year of a two-year, $36 million contract, he has a player option for $18.5 million.
His defensive deficiencies also make him a poor backcourt mate for Young
Perhaps most damning, Russell was jeered with chants of “we don’t want you” from the fans in attendance.
Luckily for Russell, the Lakers brass has increased their expectations for the return in any deal for the two-time Lakers guard due to his recent string of excellent play. He laid an egg against the Hawks, of course. In the end, he scored nine points on 27.3% shooting, hitting one for five from beyond the arc.
