The Los Angeles Lakers are in a rut right now, losing four straight games after starting the 2024-25 season 4-0. Anthony Davis is currently nursing an injury and is out, a main reason why the Lakers could not defeat the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. LeBron James is still playing at an elite level, averaging 21.9 points and 7.7 assists per game, but Anthony Davis will be the key for the Lakers going forward. Even if both Davis and James are healthy, they do not have enough as currently constructed to win an NBA championship.
A potential target for the Lakers is Trae Young, one of the NBA’s best offensive guards who is having another All-Star caliber season by posting 23.9 points and 11.0 assists per game for the 4-5 Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks could be building a nice core centered around Jalen Johnson and No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. Perhaps the Hawks could decide to completely entertain a rebuild and move Young for some interesting assets including young players and first-rounders. The Lakers could put together a package just like that to create one of the best Big Threes in the NBA.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, 2029 First-Round Pick
Can Dalton Knecht Be The Key To Land Trae Young?
The Los Angeles Lakers are known for aiming high, and bringing in a superstar like Trae Young would be a bold move to boost their championship aspirations. This trade proposal would see the Lakers send D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, promising rookie Dalton Knecht, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Young. While each of the Lakers’ outgoing players offers specific strengths, Trae Young’s offensive prowess would provide the Lakers with a true franchise-altering talent.
D’Angelo Russell has been a solid contributor, averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 assists per game last season. His ability to create his own shot and space the floor has been valuable to the Lakers, but his inconsistency has sometimes limited his impact. Gabe Vincent, though a reliable player, is primarily included in the trade due to his recent contract and potential to balance salaries.
Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt is a versatile defender but has struggled with injuries. Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ promising rookie guard, brings the potential to develop into a dependable shooter, yet he’s still early in his NBA journey and far from Trae’s established star level. For the Hawks, this package provides depth, youth, and flexibility while offering room for a roster reshaping around Johnson and Rissacher.
Why Trae Young Is A Game-Changing Superstar For The Lakers
Adding Trae Young to the Lakers would immediately elevate their offense to a new level. Young has become one of the league’s most electrifying point guards, consistently ranking among the top in scoring and assists. This season, he is averaging 23.9 points and 11.0 assists per game, showing his elite playmaking and ability to command the floor.
Known for his deep range and remarkable court vision, Young has joined a select group of players who can efficiently orchestrate the offense while being a threat to score from anywhere on the court. With career averages of 25.5 points and 9.5 assists, he brings both high-volume scoring and an elite ability to involve his teammates.
For the Lakers, Young would provide a much-needed offensive engine who could share the playmaking load with LeBron James and relieve some of the scoring pressure on Anthony Davis. His dynamic pick-and-roll game would pair perfectly with Davis’ skill set, creating endless opportunities for both players to thrive.
Beyond just numbers, Young’s experience as a go-to star and clutch scorer would make him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ pursuit of another championship. His arrival would allow LeBron to focus more on facilitating and defensive matchups, while Young shoulders much of the scoring burden, especially in tight, late-game situations.
Championship Aspirations With Trae Young At The Helm
If the Lakers can successfully acquire Trae Young, they could be positioned as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. The combination of Young, LeBron, and Davis would give the Lakers a potent “Big Three” capable of competing against any team in the league. Young’s shooting range and ball handling, LeBron’s versatility and leadership, and Davis’ two-way dominance would make the Lakers a well-rounded powerhouse.
The Western Conference is stacked with contenders, but Young’s arrival would give the Lakers the high-octane offense needed to match up with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns.
This move could also help extend LeBron’s championship window, allowing him to take on a less taxing role while Young handles the bulk of the playmaking. The Lakers would gain a player in Young who thrives in big moments, adding a clutch element that could prove critical in playoff scenarios. With Young’s scoring and facilitating combined with the Lakers’ defensive strengths, this trade could be the final piece that puts them in legitimate contention for another title. For fans and analysts alike, a Lakers team with Trae Young might just be the league’s next big story.
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