LeBron James, one of the greatest players in NBA history, has indicated that his career may be nearing its end. Recent reports from the Pat McAfee Show, as relayed by NBA insider Shams Charania, suggest that LeBron is expected to play one or two more seasons. While his passion for the game remains undiminished, and his desire to win another championship is strong, time is of the essence. The Los Angeles Lakers organization, along with LeBron, is well aware of the need to make critical moves to maximize his remaining time in the league. One such move, which has sparked intense speculation, involves the potential addition of a third star to pair with LeBron and Anthony Davis. Among the rumored names, the most intriguing is Trae Young, the dynamic Atlanta Hawks point guard.
The Lakers’ Situation
This past season has been a rollercoaster for the Lakers. Despite their efforts, they found themselves needing to win play-in games just to secure a spot in the playoffs, a precarious position for a team with championship aspirations. Throughout the season, the Lakers stood pat at the trade deadline, making no significant moves, which raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. Instead, the team opted to hold onto its three first-round picks, suggesting that they might be preparing for a major offseason acquisition. The name that keeps surfacing in discussions is Trae Young.
While names like Donovan Mitchell were previously linked to potential Lakers trades, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins both identified Trae Young as the most realistic and likely candidate. Perkins even went so far as to say that the addition of this “superstar” would be a perfect fit for not only LeBron James but also Anthony Davis.
Young’s connection to the Lakers isn’t purely speculative. He has attended Lakers’ playoff games and is a client of Klutch Sports, the same agency that represents LeBron and Davis. These factors have only fueled the rumor mill, with many believing that Young could be on his way to Los Angeles.
Trae Young’s Potential Fit
For the Lakers, the addition of a player like Trae Young could be transformative. Young, who ranks first in the NBA in pick-and-roll possessions and points generated from the pick-and-roll, could create a devastating partnership with Anthony Davis. His ability to create open shots for teammates, ranking second in the league behind Luka Dončić, makes him a valuable asset on any team, especially one looking to contend for a title. A pick-and-roll combination of Young and Davis could wreak havoc on opposing defenses, while also providing a blueprint for success even after LeBron’s eventual retirement.
LeBron James, despite his age, continues to defy the limitations typically associated with a 39-year-old player. His recent seasons have been nothing short of remarkable, averaging 27 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game from ages 34 to 39. His unique ability to maintain such high performance levels makes him the only player in NBA history to have put up those numbers at his age. With that said, even LeBron is not immune to the wear and tear of time. The Lakers cannot continue to rely on him to be their primary playmaker, scorer, and leader on the court for an extended period. The addition of a player like Young, who can take over playmaking duties, would allow LeBron to focus on other aspects of the game and potentially extend his career.
Currently, the Lakers’ offense plummets when LeBron is off the court. The team’s offensive rating drops from 119.8, which would rank them seventh in the league, to just 111 when LeBron rests, ranking them a lowly 25th. This demonstrates how much the Lakers rely on LeBron’s presence to generate offense, a load that is unsustainable for a player of his age if they hope to compete for a title. Young’s playmaking ability, coupled with his ability to score and stretch defenses, would alleviate much of the pressure on LeBron and Anthony Davis.
In terms of fitting into the Lakers’ current roster, Young is a significant upgrade over the team’s existing guards. While players like D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have shown flashes of brilliance, they are not the playmakers the Lakers need to ease LeBron’s burden. Young, however, brings a unique combination of scoring and passing, ranking among the league leaders in both categories. He can space the floor with his shooting, attack the rim with his speed, and find open teammates in a way few other guards in the league can.
The Atlanta Hawks’ Perspective
For the Hawks, parting ways with Trae Young would be a monumental decision. Young was viewed as the future of the franchise when they selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. His run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 solidified his place as one of the most promising young stars in the league. However, the Hawks’ performance since then has steadily declined. Despite Young’s impressive individual statistics, the team has struggled, failing to advance past the first round in the past two seasons.
The arrival of Dejounte Murray was supposed to bolster the Hawks’ backcourt and take some of the pressure off Young. Unfortunately, the pairing has not worked as planned. The duo has produced some of the worst two-man combinations in the NBA this season, ranking last in points per possession, effective field goal percentage, and turnovers. As the Hawks continue to slide down the standings, it has become clear that a change is needed.
Reports from sources like The Ringer and The Athletic suggest that the Hawks’ front office has already begun exploring the trade market for Young, with teams like the San Antonio Spurs reportedly showing interest before the trade deadline. With Murray still under contract, the Hawks may feel that their best course of action is to trade Young while his value is high, using the return to build around a different core.
What a Lakers-Hawks Trade Could Look Like
If the Lakers are serious about acquiring Trae Young, they have some assets to offer. A potential deal could involve young players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent, along with future first-round draft picks. The Lakers possess as many as three first-round picks in the upcoming draft, which could sweeten the deal for the Hawks. In return, the Lakers would acquire one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the league, giving them a legitimate third star to pair with LeBron and Davis.
Such a trade would allow the Hawks to hit the reset button. They could rebuild or reload around new players while moving on from a partnership that hasn’t produced the desired results. For the Lakers, this trade would signal an all-in approach to LeBron’s final years, giving him and Anthony Davis the help they need to compete for another championship.
Conclusion
As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, the Lakers face a pivotal moment. The addition of Trae Young could provide the spark they need to contend for another championship while also setting the stage for a post-LeBron era. Young’s dynamic playmaking, combined with his scoring ability, would be the perfect complement to LeBron and Anthony Davis, allowing the Lakers to compete now and in the future. For the Hawks, trading Young might be a necessary step as they look to retool and build a more cohesive roster. Whatever happens, the upcoming offseason promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent NBA history.
