The NBA circuit has been in a tizzy ever since LeBron James sparked a debate hinting at his retirement. And of the countless theories that have spawned since one of them was pulling a blockbuster trade to keep the 20-year veteran from hanging up his sneakers.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested a trade package with the Atlanta Hawks that would see the Lakers send Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura for Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu, and De’Andre Hunter.
While this might be the unlikeliest of the trades to happen, the logic stems from the fact that the Lakers have reportedly had internal discussions regarding Young.
Bailey’s argument was simple. Young would better suit the floor with James over Davis. “Of course, this wouldn’t accomplish LeBron’s potential goal of upgrading from two stars to three, but Young doesn’t turn 25 till September.”
Further adding: “That alone could keep the Lakers’ window to contend open a bit longer, and Young’s averages of 27.4 points and 9.7 assists over the last four seasons suggest he’s more capable of alleviating LeBron’s responsibilities than Davis is.”
Young’s time at Atlanta has been discussed ever since their first-round exit against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs, and while he may have no shortage of suitors, the Young-AD swap is more than a calculated risk for LA.
Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Favoring Kyrie Irving Over Trae Young
For more reasons than one, the Lakers will look at roping in Kyrie Irving’s services over Young, and James will be a vital cog in that move.
“I don’t think we’ll see D’Angelo Russell back with the Lakers, LeBron wants to fade more into the role as a secondary scorer and playmaker,” Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report recently said.
For starters, Irving and James have ample chemistry, winning a championship with the guard in 2016 when they were part of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Irving’s offense would mean a major load off James, and with Davis on the defensive end, the Lakers would be a powerhouse, even if means sacrificing some depth in the roster.
Between an aging James and the longevity of the roster, the Lakers’ front office have a tough call to make.
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