Udonis Haslem Doesn't Like 'Trae Young To The Lakers' Trade Idea

Udonis Haslem has voiced his opposition to the idea of the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks.

"Hell no, I don’t like that. If you want Trae Young, then just keep DLo. That’s 19 points a game right there on 47% shooting and 41% from 3. He may not be a great defender but he for sure as hell better than Trae."

Haslem points out that Russell, who averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 45.6% shooting and 41.5% from beyond the arc, offers a level of consistency and efficiency that would be difficult to replace. While acknowledging that Russell may not be a stellar defender, Haslem contends that he is still a better defensive option than Young.

Many fans are excited about the prospect of adding Young, who averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game on 43.0% shooting from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range this past season. However, Haslem believes that the Lakers would be better off sticking with D’Angelo Russell.

Trae Young has been linked to the Lakers in trade rumors before. Given the current instability within the Hawks organization, the Lakers might see another opportunity to pursue Young. Yet, Haslem's argument suggests that such a move might not be in the Lakers' best interest.

Young is undoubtedly a dynamic playmaker and scorer, but his defensive liabilities and sometimes erratic shooting can be concerning for a team that values consistency. In contrast, Russell’s shooting efficiency and his ability to fit into the Lakers' system without needing to dominate the ball might make him a more suitable choice for the team.

Haslem's perspective is rooted in the belief that Russell's skill set aligns better with the Lakers' needs. He emphasizes that while Young's scoring and playmaking are impressive, Russell's overall contribution, particularly his shooting efficiency, should not be overlooked.

While the idea of adding a high-caliber player like Trae Young is enticing, Udonis Haslem believes the Lakers would be wiser to retain D’Angelo Russell .

Russell’s shooting, experience, and fit within the team's existing framework make him a valuable asset, and according to Haslem , a more reliable option than pursuing Young. This viewpoint highlights the importance of considering team chemistry and fits over star power alone.

The Lakers May Need To Prioritize Strengthening Their Squad Over Acquiring A Third Star

With the recent hiring of JJ Redick as their head coach , the Los Angeles Lakers have taken an important step towards reestablishing themselves as a dominant force in the NBA. However, the key to their success may not lie in acquiring a third star but rather in strengthening their overall squad depth.

The Lakers are fortunate to have two top-10 players in LeBron James and Anthony Davis . Despite being 39 years old, James continues to perform at an elite level, while Davis, when healthy, is not only a top-10 player but also arguably the best defensive player in the league.

These two superstars provide a solid foundation, but relying solely on them without a robust supporting cast has proven to be a recipe for inconsistency.

Austin Reaves has emerged as a promising young star for the Lakers. His development and performance have made him a valuable asset, to the extent that other teams have consistently sought to include him in trade talks. The Lakers have made it clear that they intend to keep Reaves, recognizing his potential and the role he can play in their future success.

Rather than focusing on acquiring a third star, which could potentially weaken their roster in other areas, the Lakers would be better served by building a well-rounded and strong squad. The importance of having a balanced team with solid players in all positions cannot be overstated. Depth and versatility are crucial for navigating the long and grueling NBA season and for making deep playoff runs.

A strong supporting cast can alleviate the pressure on James and Davis, ensuring that they remain fresh and healthy throughout the season. This approach would also provide the team with more options and flexibility, allowing Redick to implement various strategies and rotations based on matchups and game situations.

While the allure of adding another star to the lineup is tempting, the Lakers should prioritize strengthening their squad across all positions. A balanced and deep roster will give them a better chance to compete at the highest level and maximize the contributions of their existing superstars.

By focusing on overall team strength rather than just star power, the Lakers can position themselves for sustained success in the NBA.

Related: Ranking How Realistically The Lakers Could Land NBA Superstars Including Kevin Durant And Trae Young

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News . We really appreciate your support.